A group of Nebraska stat senators are strongly opposing the expanded sports betting proposal that hasn’t gained much traction during a special legislative session in Lincoln that took place on Friday.
Governor Jim Pillen ordered lawmakers to return to the state capitol more than three weeks ago to provide property tax relief to state residents, and the General Affairs Committee recently advanced a constitutional amendment that would allow for debate regarding online Nebraska sports betting but it has not yet been brought to the floor.
Sen. Eliot Bostar introduced the constitutional amendment a framework bill, called LB 13, at the start of a special session that began on July 25th, stating that the absence of sports betting apps cost the state $32 million in annual tax revenue and is calling for 90% of sports betting revenue to be directed to the state’s property tax relief fund.
“Nebraska very recently legalized casinos largely on the promise of property tax relief that has failed to manifest itself,” the statement that was signed by 13 lawmakers outlines. “Expanding gambling further will inevitably lead to expanding the associated addictions and adds to more suffering in our communities.”
Bostar’s push says otherwise.
“Online sports betting turns every cell phone into a 24/7 handheld gambling device, leading to new addictions. The National Council on Problem Gambling reports the legalization of online sports betting has resulted in the risk of gambling addiction increasing 30%, with a 150% increase to their addiction helpline. The main demographic driving this increase is young people, with 20% of college students spending financial aid on gambling.
“Any effort to expand gambling further or legalize online sports betting, be it a Constitutional Amendment or a statutory end-run, is a poison pill and will lose our support for the bill.”
The senators opposing the deal includes:
- Ray Aguilar
- Joni Albrecht
- Robert Clements
- Robert Dover
- Steve Erdman
- Steve Halloran
- Brian Hardin
- Rick Holdcroft
- Loren Lippincott
- John Lowe
- Dave Murman
- Rita Sanders
- Julie Slama
The state’s legislative session adjourned on Tuesday without a formal discussion, which will push the bill to January for a potential discussion.
