The Casino Situation: Gambling is On Its Way. Eventually.

Voters legalized gambling in Nebraska a while ago. The State Legislature is now debating what gambling is in order to define what will be allowed as “legal gambling.” Since gambling is an emerging industry, the state government is looking for ways to protect citizens from potential pitfalls, as well as finding a way to take a share of the revenue.

While ‘gambling’ has been legalized here, it’s currently an umbrella term used to cover a number of eclectic activities. Sports betting and race gambling are widely considered separate, despite having similarities. Coin machines and playing cards are both gambling, but should they be regulated the same way? These are some of the questions being floated in courts. 

Opposition to the legalization of gambling is still fierce. Despite losing the vote, Governor Pete Ricketts continues to argue that casinos will increase gambling addictions and lead the population down a path of violence, addiction and crime.

Different districts and their representatives have also taken issue. One bill suggests that gambling only be legal within the physical boundaries of the casinos. Representatives from high-poverty sections of Nebraska argue that this keeps them from the opportunity to create a new sustainable form of revenue.

Lawmakers are also pushing to find the line of what is punishable and how. In every industry there runs the risk of negative actions and consequently a punishment for the crime. Lawmakers are currently pairing a misdemeanor charge for cheaters in casinos. They’re also holding casinos to a cash-only business practice.

Another faction of lawmakers in Nebraska questions how the government will handle the industry. How does one take money from the house? When the money is lumped into one account, it becomes nearly impossible to distribute it wherever it's needed. Thanks to politics, funds must jump through countless hoops to qualify to go anywhere. 
While gambling is legal now, when Nebraska begins gambling is up in the air. We’re still in the process of building casinos and planning laws and procedures. My advice? Don’t expect to bet the farm anytime soon.

Alexander Nesmith is a junior

communication major from

Calhoun, Ga.