Sioux City Journal – After years of trying in vain to legalize casinos in Nebraska, gambling advocates believe their luck is about to change. “In my mind, I think it’s a question of when, not if” expanded gambling wins approval, Ho-Chunk Inc. President and CEO Lance Morgan said. Ho-Chunk, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s economic development corporation, has a lot riding on the outcome. Ho-Chunk last year unveiled its vision for a $30 million casino and entertainment venue at the site of the former Atokad horsetrack in South Sioux City.
Getting the project off the ground requires amending Nebraska’s constitution, which prohibits Las Vegas-style slots and table games. Over the last two decades, opponents have beat back a series of legislative and electoral efforts to overturn the ban. The last time voters weighed on the issue was 2004, with two different ballot initiatives were defeated after getting 47 percent and 36 percent of the vote.
Long-time gambling supporters like Sen. Russ Karpisek, of Wilber, hasn’t thrown in the towel. In his last year in office, Karpisek on Tuesday introduced a proposed constitutional amendment that would ask voters this fall to approve casino gambling.
Ho-Chunk has two registered lobbyists working to advance legislative proposals like Karpisek’s that would clear the way for the proposed South Sioux City casino.
Gambling supporters point out that every state bordering Nebraska — Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Missouri and Colorado — have casinos.
Karpisek said Nebraska loses an estimated $400 million per year in Iowa, primarily from metro Omaha residents crossing the Missouri River to place wagers at three Council Bluffs casinos. The Argosy Sioux City floating casino also attracts northeast Nebraska residents.
