Gaming updates pass final round
Lawmakers approved a bill March 12 that makes a series of changes to the state’s racetrack gaming industry and authorizes music bingo and progressive jackpots for certain organizations.
LB1001, introduced by the General Affairs Committee, updates laws governing racetrack operations, wagering distribution, horse registration, simulcasting and problem gambling oversight.
Among other provisions, the bill:
• updates racetrack licensing and simulcasting regulations;
• allows racetracks to petition the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission for waivers or modifications of minimum race requirements under specific circumstances;
• mandates timely registration of Nebraska-bred thoroughbreds and quarter horses;
• transfers oversight and funding of the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gaming from the state Department of Revenue to the commission;
• allows waiver of a 30-day residency exception for certain mares;
• provides for a waiver from the 90-day requirement that a dam be in Nebraska continuously prior to foaling;
• authorizes gaming tax proceeds to support problem gambling programs; and
• allows 19-year-olds to participate in keno at licensed racetrack enclosures in an area separate from the casino gaming floor.
The measure includes provisions of three additional bills, including LB828, introduced by Niobrara Sen. Barry DeKay, which broadens the definition of “operator” in laws governing gift enterprises and savings promotion raffles.
LB1047, sponsored by Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, expands the Nebraska Bingo Act to include music bingo, in which winning outcomes are based on song titles, musical artists or music genres.
Those provisions also increase the amount that can be charged for each bingo card from 25 cents to $1, the maximum prize amount that a licensed organization may award from $25 to $50 per game and the number of special event bingo permits a qualifying nonprofit may obtain annually from two to four.
Finally, Blair Sen. Ben Hansen’s LB1120 allows a licensed organization to conduct a lottery or raffle game with a progressive jackpot or multiple drawing dates, such as the Queen of Hearts. Tickets to such games may be sold through a vending or dispensing device.
A licensee must register each lottery or raffle game with the state Department of Revenue and post the rules in a visible location where the game is conducted or tickets are sold. At least 50% of the gross proceeds from such games must be used for prizes.
Lawmakers passed LB1001 on a 45-0 vote and the measure takes effect immediately.
