LAWMAKERS COULD ASK VOTERS TO EXPAND GAMBLING WITH ONLINE SPORTS BETTING

LINCOLN- Nebraska lawmakers heard from gambling lobbyists that they should expand state gambling to include mobile sports betting, while opponents called out an “industry driven by greed.” Legislative Resolution 20CA, a proposed constitutional amendment filed by State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, would allow voters to approve online betting in the state. Currently, state law allows casino-style gambling at the state’s six existing horse racetracks — so-called “racinos.” Nebraskans approved the change in 2020.

“Nebraska is currently missing out on a $1.6 billion state online industry and $32 million in annual tax revenue,” Bostar said, “which instead goes to neighboring states like Iowa, Colorado, Kansas.” Bostar said the proposal would be “an opportunity to create a new source of tax revenue for property tax relief.” Before the hearing, Stop Predatory Gambling, Gambling with the Good Life and the Nebraska Family Alliance expressed concerns, saying LR20CA and other similar proposals represent a “direct threat” to families in the state.

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