Nebraska Lawmakers Defeat Bill That Would Have Classified Poker as Game of Skill
Last week, Nebraska lawmakers shot down a bill that would have classified poker as a game of skill.
According to the Associated Press, the bill, which was sponsored by sponsor Sen. Tyson Larson of O��Neill, was debated for the maximum allowance of six hours and only received 16 of the needed 33 votes that would have settled the debate and forced a vote on the bill.
��We hear a lot about property tax relief, limited government and the state not getting involved. If we care about those issues, here��s an outside-the-box opportunity to show that we take these things seriously,�� said Sen. Larson. ��We can help our local communities and their fundraising efforts.��
I think this is chance. I��m not willing to bet Nebraska��s future on expanded gambling.
Sen. Larson's bill sought to classify poker as a game of skill rather than a game of chance, which are banned by the state constitution.
Unfortunately, many other Senators did not agree and argued that gambling expansion in any form would ultimately hurt the state.
��We��re going into very dangerous territory here by slowly and surely peeling away that which makes us great,�� said Sen. Lydia Brasch of Bancroft. ��I think this is chance. I��m not willing to bet Nebraska��s future on expanded gambling.��
Meanwhile, Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion believed the bill would be ineffective in helping reduce property taxes: ��It��s similar to saying I��m going to lose weight and I��m going to be better fit in the new year by eating a box of doughnuts every day.��
Interestingly, Sen. Ken Schilz of Ogallala supported the bill, pointing out Nebraska offers both Powerball or Keno.
��The state is happy and the communities are happy to take that money because it does good things for the community,�� he said. ��And we shouldn��t forget that.��
Finally, Sen. Larson opted to file a motion to reconsider that vote as many senators were absent during the debate.
��I think that they all deserve the chance to listen and make their own decision on the amendment,�� he concluded.
For more information, visit cbcgamingreports.com.
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