Nebraska lawmakers propose compromise on casino measures

Kevin O'Hanlon

Tuesday, March 4, 2003 | 9:42 a.m.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Supporters of putting a casino gambling measure on the ballot reached a tentative compromise to make the idea more palatable to their fellow lawmakers.

Under the deal reached after a 90-minute closed-door meeting Monday among seven senators, two pending casino gambling measures that have been hung up in legislative debate since last week would be merged.

Under the compromise, which is expected to be finalized today, the concept of allowing casinos only within two miles of the border of any neighboring state that now allows such gambling would be dropped. The new proposal calls for the state to authorize up to eight casinos.

The compromise language will be rolled into a measure by Nickerson Sen. Ray Janssen.

Janssen's measure originally would have simply asked voters whether they want to approve casino gambling. State lawmakers would then work out the details.

But that proposal was too wide-open for some lawmakers.

The new proposal combines some aspects of another measure by Lincoln Sen. DiAnna Schimek, which would have allowed casinos on land owned by the state's four Indian tribes and another five casinos within the two-mile zone.

"If this group that was in there today can come to an agreement, then the chances on the floor ... are enhanced," Schimek said.

The meeting was attended by Schimek, Janssen and Sens. Pat Bourne of Omaha, Matt Coneally of Decatur, Chris Beutler of Lincoln, Ed Schrock of Elm Creek and Dave Landis of Lincoln.

Schimek stressed that the Indian tribes would not be dealt out of the casino action under the compromise.

If voters approve gaming, the tribes would have the right under federal law to sign compacts with the state to have their own casinos.

"It still recognizes the rights of tribes," Schimek said.

Bourne said removing the two-mile zone restriction will make he measure more palatable to lawmakers from the center of the state.

"I think all of Nebraska should be able to benefit from this," Bourne said.

Many lawmakers fear that a citizen's group will try to get a casino measure on the ballot if lawmakers fail to act this session.

That almost happened last year.

A group called Nebraskans for Local Control gathered 178,000 signatures to put a video-slots initiative on the ballot in November.

Opponents successfully challenged the measure's constitutionality, and it did not go before voters. However, the Nebraska Supreme Court has been asked to rule on the validity of that petition initiative and could order it on the ballot.

The proposed constitutional amendment under review by the court would allow slot machines in bars, restaurants, race tracks and keno parlors, as well as in designated spots within 20 miles of communities in neighboring states with video gambling.

Opponents of expanded gambling say casinos would increase social ills such as crime and gambling addictions.