The Nebraska November ballot will likely include three measures that would legalize casino gaming in the state.
This would require the certification of petitions submitted by the group Keep the Money in Nebraska by the Secretary of State. Proponents say they gathered more than 477,000 signatures for petitions by the July 2 deadline. The measures would amend the state constitution to allow casino gaming at the state’s six racetracks, and to allocate most of the money raised to lower property taxes. Brick and mortar casinos could be built under this change, but wouldn’t be mandated.
Gaming would be regulated at the state capitol in Lincoln. In fact, most of the regulations, other than the basic framework, would be left to the state’s unicameral legislature and its governor, Pete Ricketts.
Some interpret the amendments as also authorizing sports betting.
The last time the state’s voters weighed in on casinos was 16 years ago.
Casinos lost.
Ricketts is an opponent of casino gaming and would likely be involved in any effort to defeat the measures if they make the ballot. Some consider him a dedicated enough opponent to veto enabling legislation should the voters adopt any of the measures.
