Nebraska considers gaming machines

Content Team October 23, 2023

Legislators in the US state of Nebraska are considering the revaluation of regulations and taxation on video gaming machines.

A strong resemblance has been drawn between the machines in question and traditional slots, with the state receiving a surge in popularity in relation to “skill-based” games.

Currently, there are 4,752 skill game machines in nearly 1,600 retail locations in the state.

1,113 have been added since the beginning of the year, a 27 percent growth rate. About 900 more machines have permits but are not yet deployed.

Prevalence of problem gambling

Concerns have been raised by lawmakers, problem gambling counsellors and casino operators regarding these movements.

Among them, is Lance Morgan, Ho-Chunk Inc.’s CEO, who operates the WarHorse Casino in Lincoln.

So strong has the pressure been that State Senator, John Lowe, has called for a public hearing at the State Capitol to address these concerns and understand the reason behind the proliferation of these games.

Addiction

The debate over these skill games involves arguments about their addictive nature, with critics suggesting they are as addictive as any traditional slot machine.

Efforts to regulate tax skill machines through proposed bills have faced challenges in the state, which has meant the issues have continued unresolved.

The regulatory advocates are pushing for increased legislation and enforcement through the state Racing and Gaming Commission to address the problem of gambling that is inevitably attached to skill games.

Other U.S. states, like Pennsylvania and Virginia, are also grappling with the regulation and enforcement of similar video gaming machines, with various concerns and debates surrounding their proliferation and impact.

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