Nebraska gambling measures fizzle in Legislature

LINCOLN, Neb. — A push to loosen gambling restrictions has fizzled this year in the Legislature, despite claims that Nebraska could preserve jobs, generate much-needed revenue for counties and tap into the millions of dollars that are poured into South Dakota and Iowa casinos each year.

Lawmakers have killed a bill this year to let gambling outlets to run more keno games per hour. A legislative panel rejected a constitutional amendment proposal that would have allowed casinos within 60 miles of a border state, unless the border state shared some of its gambling revenue with Nebraska. And a bill that would allow machine bets on past horse races faces an uncertain future as lawmakers mount a filibuster to stall a vote.

Columbus Sen. Paul Schumacher said gambling opponents have pressured lawmakers into defeating many of the proposals at a time when Nebraska could use the revenue. Lawmakers are trying to balance Gov. Dave Heineman’s tax-cut proposal with funding for child welfare, Medicaid payments for hospitals and nursing homes, and other state needs.  full story