Lincoln City Council set to discuss casino zoning plans

The council will meet on Monday at 3 p.m. to hear testimony on the proposed zoning plans for Lincoln's casino.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln City Council will hear testimonies on zoning changes to the site near U.S. 77 and West Denton Road.

The area currently consists of the Lincoln Race Course and horse racing and simulcast facility. Zoning changes need to be modified to accommodate for a casino. This is due to the fact there was no casino designation or zoning allowance in Lincoln up until November of last year.

“We’re making the changes in accommodation to the casino itself and this would allow us to get moving on the building that we need to be making in order to make this all a reality,” Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association executive vice president Lynne McNally said.

McNally has been advocating for casino gambling in the city for over 20 years. She’s excited her dreams will soon become reality.

“It’s so exciting to see that there was an overwhelming mandate for casino gambling in the state,” McNally said. “I couldn’t be more proud of what we’re about to offer.”

Right now, the current planned development calls for 1.3 million square feet of commercial space. It would be reduced to 980,000, including an over 200,000 square foot casino.

A hotel, event spaces, restaurants, a spa and over 1,000 gaming stations are all planned.  Ho-Chunk’s WarHorse Gaming and the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association are teaming up on the 200 million-dollar project. Construction should start next year.

“The images that you see are just a fraction of what it’s going to be like, and accommodations for people,” McNally said. “It’s going to be a tremendous asset for the city of Lincoln. I’m just so excited.”

McNally said she has spoken to several members of the city council, and has received nothing but support.

“I’m really hoping that they can see our vision and see that we intend to be great partners of the city and great supporters of the community.”