Nebraska Poker Bill Falls Short

The vote to allow certain forms of poker to be played in Nebraska has failed to reach the required 25 votes, with state lawmakers voting 16-14 against its introduction.

The notoriously anti-gambling state (lottery excepted naturally, as poker advocates have come to expect) vetoed the amended bill, which would have seen only card games with community cards being allowed, and it looks unlikely that poker fans in the state will be able to enjoy their games within state borders anytime soon.

The bill was introduced in Spring of last year, its sponsor Nebraska Libertarian Senator Tyson Larson calling it 'the state’s first real push for poker rooms.' The plan had apparently been ‘to allow establishments with liquor licenses, as well as non-profit groups, to apply for approval to run tournaments or cash games’, with a limit of $500 on tournament and cash game buy-ins included in the proposals.

Last year’s introduction of the proposals saw some heartening comments from the state attorney general, Doug Peterson, who had stated that ‘draw games might not be allowed under the state constitution’, which led Larson to amend his bill – leaving games such as Texas Hold’em as a possibility for Nebraskan poker rooms.

Unfortunately the notoriously strict anti-gambling lawmakers of the state thought otherwise, the 16-14 vote not being anywhere close to the 25 votes required to carry the bill forward.

Tyson has previously outlined his thoughts, which have been replicated in many other states looking to regulate, and also profit from the game in light of serious budgetary deficits nationwide.

Neighbouring states such as Iowa, South Dakota and Colorado all have some form of poker rooms – and Nebraska state residents regularly visit these. Supporters of casinos in Nebraska say that as much as $400 million is wagered by citizens of the state each year at nearby casinos in Iowa.

According to Larson, who spoke to CardPlayer.com last year when introducing his bil

‘ Keep the Money in Nebraska’ was a group set up last year to help push through Larson’s Legislative bill 619, and its backers included companies involved in the state’s horse racing industry, where there are five licensed tracks.

Voters rejected casinos in 2006, the last time voters had a chance to have a say on matters, but Keep the Money in Nebraska raised 80,000 signatures in order to put the law change on the ballot again.

Unfortunately, the recent defeat at the state legislature level may see many more years pass before another chance presents itself in Nebraska.