LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – A state lawmaker says a gambling proposal he introduced would generate millions in Nebraska tax revenue that is currently going to Iowa.
Columbus Sen. Paul Schumacher told a legislative panel Monday that his measure (LR375CA) would help Nebraska cover the cost of education programs and roads. The proposed constitutional amendment would give the Legislature authority to legalize casino gambling.
Schumacher says three casinos within a 60-mile radius of downtown Omaha collect a combined $428 million a year in revenue.
Roughly three-fourths of that total comes from Nebraskans. He says Iowa collects about $93 million a year in tax revenue.
Gambling opponents say the economic benefits are overblown, given the cost of regulating such businesses as well as the likely increases in embezzlement and other crimes related to gambling addictions.