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Gambling PhD - Online Casino News - June 2004
What Does Expanded Iowa
Gambling Mean For Nebraska?
OMAHA, Neb. -- Nebraskans will
vote in November on a number of ballot issues that would
allow gambling in the state, but before they can cast a
vote there may be plans to bring more casinos to Iowa.
A decision by the Iowa
Racing and Gaming Commission this week lifted a moratorium
on new gambling licenses in the state. Nebraskans on both
sides of the gambling issues said the Iowa vote just
proves their point.
"It's so sad," said Pat
Loontjer, and anti-gambling advocate with Gambling With
the Good Life. "It just shows what happens when a state
allows these gambling interests to come in -- they're
insatiable."
Loontjer said that if
Nebraska opens the door like Iowa did, it is difficult to
close later.
"Perfect illustration of
what would happen in Nebraska. It wouldn't be one casino,
two casinos or three. It wouldn't be that at all. It would
be the start of changing the Constitution to allow
virtually unlimited gambling across the state. It'll trash
the good life,"
The bill's sponsor, Sen.
Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, said the state's four
nonprofit tracks are in his district. Each holds its races
during an event such as a county fair, which is beneficial
to the community, he said. Those tracks also would benefit
from the legislation.
"For me, it's about saving
the horse-racing industry. It's critical to them," he
said.
The Senate approved the
bill by a margin of 42-7. The House of Representatives
endorsed the legislation with a 79-17 vote.
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