LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Gambling opponents have launched a campaign against a Nebraska ballot measure that would allow betting on old horse races shown on machines that resemble casino slots.
The group Gambling with the Good Life is traveling the state in hopes of defeating the November ballot proposal. If approved by voters, the constitutional amendment would clear the way for the video terminals at licensed race tracks in Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus.
Supporters say the machines will help the state’s struggling horse-racing industry. Pat Loontjer of Gambling with the Good Life says the machines run as fast as regular casino slots and can be just as addictive.
Nebraska voters rejected two proposals to allow casino gambling in 2004, and a measure to authorize video keno was defeated in 2006.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
