Gaming near fairgrounds approved

Games of chance at licensed racetracks in Nebraska that are located near fairgrounds are allowed to operate at the same time as a fair under a bill passed April 15.

State law prohibits gambling and a number of other activities within 660 feet of a state, district, county or agricultural fair and provides exceptions. LB371, introduced by Grand Island Sen. Raymond Aguilar, adds games of chance under the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act to the current list of exceptions.

The bill helps to implement the provisions of a constitutional amendment passed in 2020 that authorized licensed horse racing tracks to offer games of chance.

Senators passed LB371 on a 35-7 vote.