Bill advances, allowing casinos to open on fairgrounds
Casinos on Fairgrounds
A bill has advanced in the Nebraska legislature that would allow casinos, located on fairgrounds, to stay open during state and county fairs.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — Nebraska casinos won’t have to shut down during county and state fairs under a bill advanced by lawmakers.
First-round approval was given to the measure Tuesday that would add casinos to the list of allowable gambling activities during fairs.
See also: VIDEO: Bill proposed to clarify Lincoln gambling parameters
The measure was introduced by state Sen. Ray Aguilar. His district includes a horse-racing track at Fonner Park that is scheduled to house both a casino and the Nebraska State Fair.
Happening in the Legislature this morning debate on when casinos could open during times like Fairs that have large numbers of youth around attending. So far only three fairs, Hall, Adams, and the State Fair would be affected. @NTVNEWS
— Alex Whitney (@ntv_alex) March 16, 2021
During Tuesday’s floor debate, the main focus was on when casinos could open during events- like fairs- that attract large numbers of youth.
So far, only three fairs would be affected.
Although the bill advance, not everyone is behind the idea.
Sen. Suzanne Geist said, “The adults go to the casino, children go to the midway to ride the rides and then those on the midway end up having a large number of young people who are not supervised. I see that as a problem, a ripe situation for human traffickers.”
While Sen. Carol Blood commented in support of the bill, “I think it’s interesting that we are all of the sudden worried about this issue, but I don’t see anybody worried about the beer gardens at the county fairs…I am gravely concerned that we think it’s ok to subvert the will of the people.”
