OMAHA- According to the Nebraska Department of Revenue, $357 million dollars were wagered on keno in the state between June 2022 and July 2023, an increase of $7.3 million over the 2022 fiscal year. Because of this, tax revenue increased by nearly $150,000. The latest quarterly report issued by the Department in September, however, did show a drop in revenue from the previous quarter.

"A bit of a surprise to be honest," said John Hassett, the president and managing partner of Advanced Gaming Technologies, "because like I say the competition's increasing and Keno is still staying pretty steady so we're very happy with that." Hassett said that Keno brings in funds communities may not otherwise be able to get, and that this funding helps pay for city-wide programs like Light Up Bellevue.

"Bellevue put about $750,000 each year into the economic development fund," said Hassett, whose organization operates 18 locations in Bellevue. With new competition arising in Nebraska, including in the realm of sports betting, Hassett said he was grateful that his industry hasn't been negatively impacted.

For the full article click HERE