LINCOLN- Those in favor of adding casinos that are not a part of the six existing race tracks had a notable in the Nebraska legislature. The victory came from LB311 not advancing out of the General Affairs Committee. The bill would have required a market study on the impact of casino gambling, including whether it would have a detrimental or positive financial impact on existing racetrack/casinos.

The proposed report would have pushed back the licensing system for casinos to begin in 2029 rather than 2025. In 2020 voters approved gambling at the state's six racetracks. But several communities, including Bellevue, North Platte, Ogallala, Kimball and York, have indicated that they want to be allowed to build casinos, too.

Voting against advancing LB 311, besides Holdcroft, were State Sens. Jen Day of Gretna, Jana Hughes of Seward and Jane Raybould of Lincoln. Voting to advance were Lowe and Sens. Brian Hardin of Scottsbluff and Tom Brewer of Gordon. Omaha Sen. John Cavanaugh was present but not voting. The bill did not advance on a 3-4-1 vote.

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