LINCOLN- Last Friday, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission voted unanimously to approve rules for wagering on sporting events, but it's still unclear when Nebraska citizens will be able to do so.

Before being implemented, the rules must be vetted by the Nebraska Attorney General's Office, then finally approved by the Governor. The whole process is expected to take several months.

Commission Chairman Dennis Lee is setting expectations early on. "If any of you think...you're going to be able to do some sports wagering in the relatively near future," said Lee, "that's not really accurate--nothing further could be from the truth."

The rules approved on Friday mirror almost entirely those adopted by the Nebraska Legislature earlier this year. Most importantly, they require that all sports betting take place in person and at casinos or horse racing tracks housed within the state. They also explicitly prohibit wagering on games involving teams when they are competing within the state.

By the time the rules are approved by the Governor, some predict that the state will see one to three new casinos built in Nebraska. The state's one and only casino, WarHorse Casino, plans to offer sports betting as soon as the rules are finalized.

Lynne McNally, CEO of the Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, believes the rules are "a solid start," but sees them becoming "a living document" that will be amended over time.

The Racing and Gaming Commission also approved horse racing dates for 2023, including eight which will be held at the Lincoln Race Course.

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