The license of the racetrack operator for the Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack in Ogallala would appear to be somewhat in question following action by the state Racing and Gaming Commission last week.
On Friday, the Commission voted unanimously to move forward with a notice of hearing to determine whether good cause exists to revoke the racetrack operator license of Hastings Exposition and Racing, and appointed Ryan Kunhart of Dvorak Law as special prosecutor, and Bill Austin as hearing officer.
The license for 2025 was approved last August with conditions, including a stipulation that no payments be made to the for-profit Prairie Thunder Casino, LLC or its members until further order of the Commission, and in December, the license was extended subject to all the same conditions.
Chair Dennis Lee said the reconsideration for the motion for a hearing came forward in light of developments that occurred since the December commission meeting, when the motion for a notice of hearing was tabled, but he did not mention the LLC or elaborate further.
After the vote during public comment, an attorney for Prairie Thunder Casino LLC asked Commissioners if the restrictions on payments could be removed since the order only pertained to the racetrack operator, but Lee indicated it would not be prudent.
“It’s stable, the funds are being retained, they’re not being distributed. The safer approach from a Commission standpoint is to maintain that stay in effect. I don’t think we’re looking at an unusually extended period of time from the Commission’s action on item 7 on our agenda (the determination to proceed with a hearing and appoint a special prosecutor and hearing officer),” said Lee, “I don’t think it would be appropriate for the Commission to vacate that stay.”
When asked about the impact on the Lake Mac Casino and Resort if HER loses their racetrack operators license, Commission Executive Director Casey Ricketts told the Rural Radio Network that “At this stage, the matter rests with the special prosecutor and the appointed hearing officer, and we will allow that process to move forward as outlined in state statute.”
Ricketts continued that “It would be premature to speculate about possible outcomes or their implications. The Commission will review the findings once the process is complete. Should any action be required at that time, we will work closely with all parties involved and consult with the Attorney General to ensure that any next steps fully comply with Nebraska law.”