Casino proponents in western Nebraska will be playing a waiting game based on legislation approved this month that stemmed from the November 2020 vote to approve casinos at licensed horse racetracks in the state.

The bill (LB876), which won 38-3 final approval in the Legislature, effectively puts new racetracks and associated casinos – including proposals for North Platte, Ogallala, Gering and Kimball – on hold while market and socioeconomic studies take place.

The bill signed by Gov. Pete Ricketts directs the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission to complete the studies “as soon as practicable” but no later than Jan. 1, 2025. Similar studies would be required every five years.