The pro-expanded gambling group Keep the Money in Nebraska has begun a petition drive to allow casino gambling at the state’s racetracks. Group spokesman, former state Senator Scott Lautenbaugh, said the state has lost billions of dollars to neighboring Iowa and South Dakota. He noted the petitions would allow Nebraskans to vote on expanding gambling as well as saving the state’s horse racing industry. “I think we should do well. We’re going to work hard, and we’re going to be everywhere,” Lautenbaugh said.
Circulators will be collecting signatures on three petitions. One is a proposed constitutional amendment to allow games of chance. The second would specify casino locations and regulation. The third would impose a 20 percent tax on gross gambling revenues, with 75 percent going to the state and 25 percent going to local governments of casino host communities.
In order to place the issues on the November 2016 ballot, Keep the Money In Nebraska must gather valid signatures from 10 percent of registered voters, or about 113,900 people, on the proposed constitutional amendment petition. The other two petitions require signatures from 7 percent of registered voters, or about 79,700 people. Also, signatures are required from at least 5 percent of registered voters in a minimum of 38 counties. The signatures will be due by July 7.
According to a report filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, the petition drive already has received more than $250,000 in donations. Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development wing of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, has given $226,146 as of September 25.
Ho-Chunk owns the former Atokad Park racetrack in South Sioux City.
The Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association contributed $11,200 and Omaha Exposition & Racing, operators of simulcast racing facilities in Omaha and Lincoln, gave $17,500.
Currently licensed racetracks in Nebraska are Horsemen’s Park in Omaha, Lincoln Race Course in Lincoln, Fonner Park in Grand Island, Columbus Exposition and Racing in Columbus and Fairplay Park in Hastings.
Governor Pete Ricketts’s spokeswoman Brittany Hardin said the governor remains opposed to expanded gambling. Also opposed is the Nebraska Family Alliance. Executive Director Rev. Al Riskowski said, “Nebraska Family Alliance opposes expanded gambling because we feel that typically who it hurts are those who can least afford it.” He said the group will fight any new gambling proposals, just as it and other groups have defeated past efforts to legalize casinos in Nebraska.
