The Nebraska Supreme Court put an end to a gaming referendum today.
The Horse
Race Wagering Amendment authorizes electronic betting on historical horse
races. The court agreed with gambling opponents who said the referendum asks voters to answer two questions in violation of the state constitution.
"A voter initiative or a legislatively proposed constitutional amendment may not contain two or more distinct subjects for voter approval in a single vote," the decision stated.
The Winnebago Tribe
supported the amendment. Ho-Chunk Inc, the tribe's
economic development corporation, wanted to open a $30 million gaming facility at
a former racetrack called Atokad Downs.
Get the Story:
Nebraska high court nixes gambling measure
(The Sioux City Journal 9/5)
$P Nebraska Supreme Court Decision:
State ex rel. Loontjer v. Gale (September 5, 2014)
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Nebraska Supreme Court hears arguments
over gaming initiative (8/28)