Gambling news from http://nebraska.statepaper.com/
With an opinion from the attorney general in hand, Secretary of John Gale will likely tell Nebraskans on Wednesday if they will have a chance in November to vote on four proposals to expand gambling in Nebraska.
Regardless of Gale’s decision, it virtually certain to generate the usual result: A lawsuit.
Gale says he will study the conclusion reached by Attorney General Jon Bruning: That none of the proposals advanced by initiative petitions can legally be put before voters in the general election.
Gale also will review written arguments from attorneys on both sides of the gambling issue.
The state constitution says a three-year waiting period is required between similar petition proposals placed on the ballot.
In 2004 voters rejected a constitutional amendment and a proposed statute that would have legalized casino gambling, two Omaha casinos and allowed slot and video poker machines – up to 4,900 of them – statewide.
The new petitions include a plan for allowing three casinos as well as video keno.
In the opinion requested by Gale’s office, Bruning concluded: "The essence or fundamental nature of each of the proposed initiatives is the expansion of gambling in Nebraska."
If/when lawsuits are filed, the parties involved will likely urge that the cases be expedited to make certain that the petition plans can appear on the ballot if proponents prevail in court.
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