The unicameral Nebraska legislature has sent a gaming bill toward final consideration after amendments were beaten back.
The final version of LB 561, sponsored by Senator Tom Briese, will contain a keno element and a sports betting element that will allow wagers on local college games. Because it contains more provisions than was authorized by the voters last November, approval would require 33 votes in the 49 member Senate. This seems like as the first round approval garnered 37 votes.
Senator Mike Groene noted that voters didn’t know they were approving sports betting when they voted for casino gaming last year. That initiative authorized racinos at the state’s licensed racetracks and at a $200 million casino resort that will be built in Lincoln. A large portion of the projected $91 million in state taxes will be earmarked for property tax relief.
