Two states reject expansion of gambling

Thursday, April 4, 2002 | 11:09 a.m.

The Kansas House killed a bill Wednesday that would have allowed slot machines at race tracks, while Nebraska lawmakers rejected a bill authorizing Indian casinos in that state.

Arguments about the social costs of gambling preceded the 64-58 vote against the Kansas measure.

Under the bill, slot machines and other electronic gambling devices could be installed at Kansas' five pari-mutuel race tracks and one at-large site if local voters approved.

Legislative researchers estimated that the slot machines and such electronic games as video poker would net state government $102 million a year.

But even in the face of the $700 million budget gap now confronting the state, gambling opponents were unmoved and cited the social costs of gambling.

"Everybody was hoping it was a salvation to bring the state out of poverty," said Rep. Bill Mason, R-El Dorado. "In fact, it would have done the opposite."

Separately, the Nebraska measure needed 25 votes to advance from second-round debate in the state Senate, but received just 20, while 26 lawmakers voted against it.

The state's four tribes say it is their sovereign right to decide for themselves whether to allow casino gambling on their land. They also say the revenue generated by casinos would help them improve their depressed economic lot.

Opponents argued the plan would lead to casino gambling across Nebraska, controlled by outside interests. They also cited recent increases in the number of people who seek help for compulsive gambling.

The state runs a lottery and sanctions wagering on horse racing, keno, bingo and pickle cards, so proponents think it is only fair that casino gambling be allowed on Nebraska Indian reservations.

Federal law allows states to enter into compacts with tribes to run casinos on reservations, but Nebraska has refused to do so.