When the last horse crosses the finish line on July 8 at the racetrack in Lincoln, Neb. it will mark the end of live racing in that city, reports KVNO. The track and most of its buildings will be turned over to the University of Nebraska to become part of its Innovation Campus. Simulcasting will continue at the venue until August 2013.

The simulcasting at Lincoln has brought in about 26 percent of the total simulcasting in the state. Eighty-six percent of all wagering in the state is simulcasting. Over the last 10 years, state-wide wagering totals have fallen 27 percent.

“About 26% of the pari-mutuel handle was wagered in Lincoln in 2011,” Tim Sage,executive secretary of the Nebraska State Racing Commission, said. “We lose 26% of handle, already on a declining handle as we are now, and that affects revenue for tracks, revenue for owners and trainers, and revenue for the racing commission.”