October 14, 2002

Is a Casino still possible in Omaha?

ith the possibility of a constitutional amendment that allows for expanded gambling in the state appearing on the Nebraska 2004 ballot, executives from the Las Vegas casino - The Venetian, came to Omaha last week to make their pitch.

Picture: A view of the Las Vegas Venetian Casino.

William P. Weidner, president of the Venetian's corporate owner, met Friday with Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, a number of legislators, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce board members and other community leaders. According to Weidner, they are interested in pursuing the idea of building a megacasino along Omaha's new riverfront that would be similar but smaller than the Venetian in Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas $1.5 billion casino comes complete with canals, gondolas and facade of Venice, Italy. The Venetian's founder was involved in transforming Las Vegas into the leading convention and trade show city. Weidner feels Omaha has a potential of becoming a "powerful regional competitor for conventions and trade shows". "The city is easy to reach by car or plane and already has a number of other attractions", he said.

It is speculated that an Omaha casino would do 60 percent to 80 percent of the business that the three Council Bluffs casinos do combined.
A former Nebraska Republican Party official and former Omahan, Andy Abbound, is the Venetian's government relations director. He has made several trips to Omaha recently to discuss the possibility with both city and state leaders.

One other Las Vegas casino company and one riverboat casino company have also shown interest in developing near the riverfront. The Nebraska Legislature is expected to take up the issue sometime next year.