Robert Moser of Lincoln, NE, has played a defining role in shaping the direction of horse racing, racetrack operations, and gaming expansion throughout the state for more than a generation. While his career is deeply rooted in Nebraska City, his current leadership and strategic vision are centered in Lincoln, Nebraska. Recognized widely as a former President of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and a key figure within Omaha Exposition and Racing (OER), Moser became one of the most influential voices during the period when the future of Nebraska’s racing industry was at risk. His work, particularly in advocacy for preserving racetracks and advancing casino legislation, made “Robert Moser Nebraska City” a familiar name in conversations about modernization and economic revitalization.
Raised in Nebraska and deeply connected to its agricultural roots, Moser’s life has long been intertwined with the state’s equine culture. His early involvement with horses grew into a lifelong commitment that included owning and breeding thoroughbreds, a passion strengthened by the example of his father, Robert L. Moser Sr., a longtime breeder known in racing circles. Over the years, Moser accumulated a track record of ownership documented through national racing registries such as Equibase, with horses like Sing Charmer Sing and Going Platinum reflecting the active role he played in the sport. These experiences did more than establish his credibility—they anchored him within the heritage and traditions of Nebraska horse racing.
During his tenure as President of the Nebraska HBPA, Robert Moser became the central advocate for horsemen, representing owners, trainers, and backstretch workers during a period of economic struggle for the state’s racetracks. His leadership required navigating complex negotiations with track operators at Fonner Park, Horsemen’s Park, Lincoln Race Course, and Columbus, often under circumstances where racing viability was uncertain. In years when purses, operating budgets, and race dates were all under pressure, Moser worked to secure agreements that allowed live racing to continue, even when it meant confronting financial constraints head-on.
At Fonner Park, his negotiations helped preserve extended meet schedules that otherwise would have been shortened due to industry challenges. At Horsemen’s Park, he championed the continuation of live race days during stretches when the track was rebuilding its momentum. In Lincoln and Columbus, he helped guide the industry through cancellations and operational interruptions, always advocating for horsemen who depended on race days for livelihood. The role required consistency, resilience, and a willingness to stand firm in moments when the survival of Nebraska racing hung in the balance.
Moser’s leadership was not limited to boardrooms or contract discussions. When emergencies such as EHV-1 outbreaks halted the movement of horses and brought racing activity to a standstill, the HBPA under Moser’s guidance distributed per-horse financial aid. This support underscored his belief that leadership should address not only policy but also the human and financial hardships faced by those working directly with the animals.
While his service within the horse racing community was significant on its own, Robert Moser Nebraska City is best known statewide for his role in advocating for casino legalization. Understanding that Nebraska racing could not survive long-term without new revenue sources, Moser became one of the earliest and most persistent supporters of racinos—casino gaming tied directly to racetracks. Through OER and the HBPA, he argued that expanded gaming would not only stabilize racing, but also produce meaningful economic benefits for Nebraskans, including property tax relief, rural community funding, agricultural support, and increased entertainment opportunities.
Major initiatives such as the WarHorse casino development plans, totaling more than $400 million in proposed investment for Lincoln, NE, and Omaha, brought new public visibility to the idea. These projects, especially the flagship developments in Lincoln, were designed as comprehensive revitalization efforts. These were not merely casino projects; they were designed as comprehensive revitalization efforts that reimagined racetracks as economic hubs capable of drawing tourism and supporting hundreds of jobs. Although the road to legalization was marked by political resistance and opposition from anti-gambling groups, Moser was one of the figures who kept the conversation active and moving toward the future.
In Omaha and Lincoln, his work intersected with periods of transition and renewal as racetracks prepared for modernization. At Horsemen’s Park, Moser contributed leadership during times when management changed and community engagement shifted. In Grand Island, his involvement in sustaining racing at Fonner Park aligned with early efforts to introduce historical horse racing terminals—an interim but important revenue-generating technology used in many states.
Not every chapter of his career was without controversy. His eventual split with Omaha Exposition and Racing, and various public debates surrounding gaming expansion, highlighted the reality that industries facing major transformation often undergo internal conflict. Even so, Moser remained grounded in the belief that Nebraska racing could only be preserved through adaptation and expansion, not by resisting change.
Today, the legacy of Robert Moser of Lincoln, NE, is reflected in the policies, discussions, and long-term planning that shape Nebraska’s racing and gaming sectors. His influence can be seen in ongoing development efforts, in the recognition of racetracks as community assets, and in the broader public understanding of how gaming revenue can support both rural and urban parts of the state. Known interchangeably as Bob Moser or Robert L. Moser, he remains associated with determination, advocacy, and a willingness to fight for the future of an industry that has been part of Nebraska’s culture for more than a century.