Nebraskans flocking to casinos regardless of their vote for or against them
While many have shared smiles during the first week of casino gaming in Grand Island, that doesn’t mean everyone agrees on the politics of casinos.
By News Channel NebraskaGRAND ISLAND, Neb. — While many have shared smiles during the first week of casino gaming in Grand Island, that doesn’t mean everyone agrees on the politics of casinos.
In 2020, 65 percent of Nebraskans voted for a pair of ballot initiatives to legalize casino gaming at horse tracks. 68 percent of Hall County residents voted for the initiatives. Barb King of Minden was at the casino’s opening day and supported legalization.
“Well, all the neighboring states have them and we’re all going there," King said. "They’re getting the benefits of our dollars so it’s about time it stays at home.”
69 percent of voters supported a third initiative, which imposed a 20 percent tax on gross gaming revenue. That’s the part that excites Sen. Tom Briese of Albion.
“A casino like this is going to represent a very substantial amount of investment, a very substantial amount of employment, but probably most importantly to every day Nebraskans is very substantial amount of property tax relief,” Briese said.
But not everyone who visits the casino supported its legalization, including Teresa Miller of Kearney.
“I never wanted it in Nebraska myself. Everybody has an opinion on it," Miller said. "I don’t know, it’s just something to do besides sitting at home for retirees.”
The temporary facility at Fonner Park is just a taste. Elite Casino Resorts plans to start construction on the permanent Grand Island Casino Resort in the fall.