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Nebraska Forum Discusses Casino Issue

NEBRASKA – As reported by the Omaha Herald-World: "Slot machines across the state could be an economic loser for Nebraska, but a single casino in Omaha could provide an economic boost, a Creighton University professor said Monday.

"Ernie Goss, an economics professor, was among six people who participated in a forum on gambling sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha.

"The other participants were Ed Morse, a law professor at Creighton University; Julia Plucker, a spokeswoman for a pro-gambling coalition; Pat Loontjer, a gambling opponent; State Sen. DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln, a supporter of a two-casino proposal; and Jerry Bauerkemper, head of the state's gambling hot line.

"…The event touched upon several issues surrounding the debate over expanding gambling in Nebraska, including whether state-sponsored casinos would lead to a proliferation of Indian casinos and whether the state already has gambling because of other states' casinos located on Nebraska's borders.

"…Plucker, a spokeswoman for Keep the Money in Nebraska, said the issue before voters is not whether to approve gambling. The state already has gambling, including the casinos on its borders, she said.

"Plucker said the question before voters was whether they wanted to keep state dollars in Nebraska and reap the tax benefits.

"…However, Morse countered that more and more tribes are trying other avenues to acquire off-reservation casinos. He noted that one way for a tribe to bypass the process outlined by Schimek was to acquire land in a settlement.

"…Loontjer, who is the director of Gambling with the Good Life, emphasized the list of prominent Nebraskans who oppose gambling, including Rep. Tom Osborne, Gov. Mike Johanns, Attorney General Jon Bruning and former Omaha Mayor Hal Daub…"

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