LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A ballot measure to allow machine betting on old horse races may have died in court this year, but supporters are already looking ahead to 2016.Horse owners and racing groups are pondering their options now that the Nebraska Supreme Court has stripped the issue from this year's ballot. The groups met shortly after the ruling and will convene again in a few weeks.
Gene McCloud, a Grand Island racehorse owner, says the plans aren't firm yet, but the industry plans to keep fighting.
Hugh Miner, the executive vice president and CEO of Grand Island's Fonner Park, says his facility will struggle to compete against racing operations in nearby states that use gambling revenue to increase prize purses.
Opponents say the machines are a step toward expanded gambling.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.