Venetian exec says Omaha has possibilities

Monday, Aug. 5, 2002 | 10:53 a.m.

Omaha could be an attractive site for a casino because of the city's riverfront development, particularly a new convention center and arena, according to Andy Abboud, an official with The Venetian hotel-casino in Las Vegas, the Omaha World-Herald reported.

Abboud, a Nebraska native and former executive director of the Nebraska Republican Party, said the company has made no commitment to build in Omaha if casino gambling is legalized, the World-Herald said.

But interest at the Las Vegas-based hotel-casino surfaced when legislation to allow casinos along a two-mile border zone was considered last spring, it said.

The legislation resurfaced last week at a special session of the state Legislature.

Abboud and another Venetian representative could not be reached by press time today.

Abboud has discussed the potential for a casino with legislators, state and federal officials and the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, a group that runs a local convention center and arena, the World-Herald said.

Venetian owner Las Vegas Sands Inc. has created one of the most upscale properties on the Las Vegas Strip and also expects to open a casino in Macau.

Nebraska now offers only limited Indian gambling.