LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – A group that wants to legalize casino gambling in Nebraska is one step closer to placing the issue before voters in November, but opponents are preparing challenges in court and on the campaign trail.
The petition drive’s organizers said Thursday that they’ve gathered more than enough signatures to qualify, with more than 310,000 signatures across the three petitions.
Anti-gambling activist Pat Loontjer says her group will travel the state to urge a “no” vote on the measure and is strongly considering a lawsuit to keep it off the ballot. Loontjer says her group is working with churches throughout the state.
The measure would allow gaming at Nebraska’s licensed horse racing tracks. Petition circulators spent months at festivals, sporting events and concerts.