Legality of Nebraska gaming initiatives up in the air

Friday, February 24, 2006  

Officials in Nebraska are still trying to determine whether two gaming initiatives, including one proposed by tribes, will be able to make it on the November ballot.

The state constitution says an initiative "either in form or in essential substance" cannot be brought before voters more than once in three years. That could spell trouble for both proposals, since voters rejected two casino bids in 2004.

In one initiative, the Winnebago Tribe, the Santee Sioux Tribe and the Omaha Tribe are proposing to legalize Class III gaming for one off-reservation casino. The tribes would agree not to offer Class III gaming on their reservations.

The other initiative is sponsored by Boyd Gaming to authorize up to three casinos in the state.

Get the Story:
Will gambling petitions have to wait? (The Lincoln Journal Star 2/23)