Nebraska Supreme Court hears views on casino gambling

Nebraska Supreme Court has taken arguments over whether the legalisation of casino gambling should appear on the November ballot.

US.- The Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday (Wednesday) on whether or not three initiatives to legalise casino gambling at state racetracks should be placed on the ballot on election day in November.

Secretary of State Bob Evnen, had rejected the three proposed initiatives last month on the grounds that their language was too confusing for the voters.

But lawyers for pro-gambling groups argued that three separare initiatives had been proposed in order to comply with state law that requires initiatives to deal with one issue at a time.

Those opposed to an expansion of gambling described the initiatives as deceptive.

David Lopez said: “The underlying constitutional initiative, by its plain text, would have Nebraska voters believe they are simply authorising the expansion of gambling at licensed racetracks. In reality, it would additionally — and automatically — authorise full-scale casino gambling on tribal lands across Nebraska.”

The anti-expansion groups agree with Evnen, who believes allowing casino games at racetracks would inevitably lead to gaming on reservations due to a federal law which allows tribes to negotiate pacts to open their own casino within territories that allow them.

Others in favour of the initiatives highlight the benefits games of chance could bring to the state, including an estimated $300m a year in gambling revenue and the creation of up to 4,500 jobs.