Panel considers LB1001 to clarify racing law, keno rules and breed-award spending

Senator Rick Holcroft introduced LB1001 on behalf of the Racing and Gaming Commission as a statutory cleanup and clarification bill. The measure packages several changes: moving language that allows the commission to waive canceled race days (e.g., due to weather), clarifying how parimutuel wagering revenue must be spent at the track where it was generated, requiring the commission to appoint official breed registrars, giving the commission flexibility to issue horse-track operator licenses for up to three years, clarifying interstate simulcasting contracts, and specifying that keno may be played by people 19 and older in areas physically separated from casino gaming floors.

Casey Ricketts, representing the Racing and Gaming Commission, said the changes are intended to clear vagueness that created disagreement among industry stakeholders and to modernize statutes after 2021 changes to required race-day minimums. He told senators the commission seeks a consistent spending standard for money earned via parimutuel wagering and modest structural updates.

Fonner Park CEO Chris Katulak and other track and breeder representatives described historical declines in Nebraska breeding and said casino revenue and negotiated arrangements with casino partners can sustain purse money and breeder awards. Katulak described outreach to breeders and stated that Fonner Park’s keno facility historically had a 19-year minimum age and asked for alignment with statewide rules. Advocates from the Nebraska Thoroughbred Breeders Association and Quarter Horse groups described registration and certification rules and asked the committee to consider a technical change to the 30-day registration exemption for mares purchased at nationally recognized sales.

Committee members asked whether canceled race days can be rescheduled (proponents said rescheduling has occurred where circuits allow) and how proposed spending guidance (an 80% floor for certain breeder supplements/awards) would operate.

No formal committee action was taken during the hearing. Supporters said the bill is intended to support a gradual rebuild of Nebraska breeding and racing infrastructure without immediate funding changes.