However, a year after the opening of WarHorse Lincoln, the first state-licensed casino in Nebraska, these fears have proven unfounded.

Lincoln Casino Surprises with Minimal Police Calls Despite Concerns

Despite vocal concerns from notable figures like former Gov. Pete Ricketts, billionaire Warren Buffet, and former Husker football coach Tom Osborne, casino gambling in Lincoln has not led to the anticipated increase in criminal activities, reported The Lincoln Journal Star. Law enforcement data reveals that the Lincoln Police Department responded to the casino only 78 times in the past year. These calls were primarily related to minor disturbances and trespassing incidents, resulting in infrequent citations.

Lincoln Police Captain Don Scheinost, who leads LPD’s Southwest Team, expressed his surprise at the low number of incidents. He credited the casino’s cooperative staff and management for maintaining a secure environment. 

Comparatively, other public places like hospitals and grocery stores in the city have generated more calls to the police. For instance, Bryan West Campus, a local hospital, experienced 1,425 police calls, while the Walmart near Lincoln’s southeastern edge had 326 calls during the same period.

Scheinost emphasized that crimes such as car thefts and vehicle break-ins, which are largely preventable, pose more significant challenges to law enforcement. He added that concerns about casino-related crime are not prominent among Lincoln residents, noting that he has rarely been questioned about the casino’s impact on the community.

Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission Proactively Addresses Gambling Issues

The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, responsible for overseeing the state’s casinos, has proactively addressed potential issues related to gambling establishments. In an effort to prevent human trafficking, a problem sometimes associated with casinos, the commission has mandated staff training and the display of human trafficking awareness posters and hotlines in casino bathrooms.

Casey Ricketts, the director of compliance at the commission, acknowledged the possibility of future challenges but expressed confidence in their preparedness. She stated that they were trying to take a very proactive approach, emphasizing the need for collaboration among casinos, problem gaming advocates, law enforcement, and trafficking experts.

Last year Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts approved rules allowing casino gambling in the state, with applications that opened in June 2023. The delay was due to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission finalizing the licensing fees. 

In October 2022, Nebraska also made progress toward legalizing sports betting in the state, with rules approved by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. While the exact launch date remains uncertain, sports betting will be limited to in-person bets at horse racetrack casinos. In a 2020 ballot, 65% of voters supported casino gambling to keep revenue within the state, potentially boosting Nebraska’s treasury by $60 million to $120 million annually.

The post Casino Gambling in Nebraska Surprises Critics with Low Crime Rates appeared first on Keno Wizard.

A recent Ohio bill dubbed House Bill 33 proposes some drastic changes to how the state’s sports betting industry should be taxed. Under the measure, sportsbooks will have to pay 20% of their revenue in taxes starting 2024. Needless to say, not everyone is happy.

A Summary of the Events

Currently, sports betting operators need to provide 10% of their revenue to taxes, meaning that the new bill would double the taxation rate. Originally proposed in February this year, the increased tax was signed off on the budget earlier this month.

Prior to that, the House of Representatives tried to promote a version of the 2024-25 budget that did not include the increased tax. However, the State Senate eventually amended the budget and brought the tax increase back.

The problem is that the high taxes may have an adverse effect on the industry, sports betting proponents argue. According to some, high taxes will make the Buckeye State much less appealing to gambling companies.

High Taxes May Alienate Operators

Ohio is the seventh-largest state in terms of population. With a fair tax rate of 10%, it is currently very appealing to wagering companies. Because of that, there are currently 18 sports betting brands offering betting on sports in the state, with another four waiting to launch.

Unfortunately, drastic changes risk alienating companies. While the state would theoretically receive twice the money it gets through taxes, companies may opt to quit Ohio if the conditions aren’t suitable for running a sustainable business.

In addition, critics pointed out that Ohio would become less appealing to new companies entering the state. This means that the Buckeye State would miss out on millions in licensing fees.

Dann Dodd Is Very Pessimistic about the Changes

Former State Rep. Dann Dodd addressed the doubled tax, slamming the state for introducing a measure that may strengthen the “oligopoly” that casinos and racinos have. He pointed out that the original license framework was designed to inhibit the influence of these properties, not bolster them.

In addition, Dodd pessimistically believes that as many as half of the brands currently offering products in Ohio may exit the market within 12-18 months. He also noted that the state will lose money in licensing fees.

Dodd’s words were echoed by Americans for Tax Reform, which scrutinized the efforts to increase taxes in Ohio. The organization lambasted the Buckeye State for its decision to become one of the less welcoming states to sportsbooks.

The organization pointed out that the measure “would take Ohio from having one of the lowest tax rates to the third highest in the US – higher even than Illinois.”

Critics are conclusive that Ohio doesn’t even necessarily need the extra money and that the tax hike is an unnecessary risk that can only hurt the economy.

Despite the criticism and warnings, Ohio predicts that the measure will increase the state revenue.

The post Ohio’s Betting Tax Hike Will Hurt the Industry, Critics Say appeared first on Keno Wizard.