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railroad issues. Bredthauer, Hartman, Hurst, Lancaster, Quandt, Peterson and Richardson all <br /> voted yes and none voted no. Motion carried. <br /> 6.10:30 A.M. DISCUSSION REGARDING GAMING LEGISLATION STATE OF NEBRASKA <br /> DAVID GEIER— Mr. Geier is the Director of the gambling assistance program. This is a 3 <br /> member commission that is confirmed by the legislature that works on the state laws and the <br /> commission sets the policies. <br /> He had a phone call regarding the machines and noted there are about 1000 in the state. Two <br /> or three years ago the Department of Revenue met with the Governor trying to decide if <br /> anything needed to be done, these are touch screen computers and you have to touch the <br /> screen to play. There is discussion if they are a game of change or a game of skill the level of <br /> money you can win is different there is cash in and cash out and it is impossible to keep track of <br /> it. If you win at keno you have to fill out the tax forms so discussion has been held if it is tax <br /> evasion. The legislature was concerned when it was questioned if it was taking away from keno <br /> and the impact on communities and organizations around the state. He noted how chess is a <br /> game of skill but roulette is a game of chance. This was taken to court but there was mixed <br /> verdict. <br /> He noted that LB 538 addresses the touch screen electronic gaming devices and provides <br /> definitions. This bill was passed and goes into effect January 1, 2020 so they will have to pay to <br /> have the devices. <br /> Richardson questioned if they are legal and there is no law against them now. <br /> Quandt ask who control the payouts and it is the person who install the machines. No different <br /> than a slot machine. <br /> Discussion was held if they are hurting bingo or keno and Mr. Geier stated the quarterly reports <br /> show the trend for keno is continuing to go up. <br /> Lancaster noted she talked to Senator Lothrop's office and it is a concern for Hall County we <br /> use keno for property tax relief and if Nebraska wants these machines they should contributed <br /> to charitable gaming. <br /> Hartman questioned if it would affect the horse racing and he stated it shouldn't. <br /> Richardson noted that statewide keno I still going up and it would be Impossible to know if it <br /> affect keno. <br /> Mr. Geier stated the state constitution addressed only certain kinds of gambling are legal so the <br /> constitution would have to be changed. He noted that Iowa has 6,000 slot machines but they <br /> are regulated. <br /> Mr. Baxter addressed the issue and stated it is complex it is an entertainment of choice and <br /> people spend millions going to Las Vegas and Iowa. Today the laws in Nebraska they cannot <br /> do business here but people can do it electronically that is unregulated so no property tax relief. <br /> LB 538 defines a game of chance. Keno is not on the decline if so it could be management. If <br /> they are used there should be a return and regulations. <br /> Lancaster noted if there are enough signatures it could be on the ballot for Nebraska. <br /> 5 <br />