LINCOLN- Gov. Pete Ricketts has signed off on rules to allow casino gaming in Nebraska, but residents are still a ways off from feeding slot machines.

The regulations approved this week and set to go into effect on May 16th open the window for potential casino operators to apply for licenses some 18 months after voters approved expanded gambling at the state's horse racing tracks.

The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission earlier this year approved licensing forms for casino operators and key personnel. But at the last meeting, the board delayed a vote on the fee structure for those applications.

That means none of the entities seeking to operate casinos can apply until the commission approves the fees, which is likely to happen at its next meeting on June 2, said Lynne McNally, executive vice president of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

Assuming those fees are approved on June 2, potential casino operators could then apply for licenses the next day.

Tom Sage, Director of the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, said he expects it will take 30-60 days to process the applications, which will then have to go on a commission agenda for approval.

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