Legislator stalls vote on bill

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2004 | 9:05 a.m.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Gambling opponents continue to control the tenor of the Legislature's debate over whether to give voters a say in allowing casinos in the state.

No vote was taken on the casino gambling proposal Monday, which marked the beginning of the second week of debate on the issue.

Supporters of the bill introduced an amendment they hoped would sway needed votes in their favor. Instead of eight casinos, as originally would have been allowed, the compromise called for only up to five. That would not count any casinos the state's Indian tribes may build on reservations.

Lawmakers never got a chance to vote on that concept. Gambling opponent Sen. Adrian Smith continued to work against the bill, filing amendments and making motions that prolonged the debate until adjournment Monday.

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