In Hall County, Nebraska, the board of supervisors recently invited Gamblers Assistance Program Director David Geier to testify regarding the legality of touchscreen gambling games that are increasingly available at bars, bas stations and other businesses. Geier said, “In order to be allowed, they’re going to have to pass the test. think the prediction is that many of the machines will not pass the test.” The test is whether or not the machines are legal games of skill or illegal games of chance.
“There will always be some element of chance, they’re not going to rule it out completely. But what they’re going to have to say is it’s predominately or mainly the skill of the person playing the game,” Geier said.
Regardless whether the state officially recognizes the games as legal gambling, Geier said the games are hazardous because they can be addicting. He added another concern is there’s no way to know if players are claiming winnings on their annual tax returns.
State officials expect to make a determination about the legality of the games in January.
