Nebraska casino gambling surprises critics with low crime rate
Date: 2023-10-02 Author: Kirill Zagoruyko Categories: CASINO
However, a year after the opening of WarHorse Lincoln, the first state-licensed casino in Nebraska, these fears proved unfounded.
Lincoln Casino surprises with minimal number of police calls despite concerns
Despite concerns from prominent figures such as former Gov. Pete Ricketts, billionaire Warren Buffett and former Husker football coach Tom Osborne, casino gambling in Lincoln has not led to the expected increase in criminal activity, The Lincoln Journal Star reports. Law enforcement data shows that the Lincoln Police Department responded to casinos only 78 times last year. These calls were primarily related to minor disturbances and trespassing incidents, resulting in infrequent charges.
Lincoln Police Capt. Don Scheinost, who leads LPD's southwest team, expressed surprise at the low number of incidents. He expressed gratitude to the team and management of the casino for maintaining a safe environment.
By comparison, other public places such as hospitals and grocery stores receive more calls to the police. For example, the local Bryan West Campus hospital received 1,425 police calls, while Walmart on the southeast side of Lincoln received 326 calls during the same period.
Scheinost emphasized that crimes such as car thefts and vehicle break-ins, which are largely preventable, pose greater challenges for law enforcement. He added that Lincoln residents are not particularly concerned about casino-related crime, and noted that he is rarely asked about the casino's impact on the community.
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission is proactive in addressing gambling problems.
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the state's casinos, is proactive in addressing potential problems associated with gambling establishments. To help prevent human trafficking, a problem sometimes associated with casinos, the commission mandated staff training and the posting of human trafficking posters and hotlines in casino bathrooms.
Casey Ricketts, the commission's director of compliance, acknowledged the possibility of future problems but expressed confidence in their preparedness. She said they are trying to take a very proactive stance, emphasizing the need for collaboration between casinos, problem gaming advocates, law enforcement and human trafficking experts.
Last year, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts approved regulations to allow casino gambling in the state, with applications opening in June 2023. The delay occurred as the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission completed payment of licensing fees.
In October 2022, Nebraska also made progress toward legalizing sports betting in the state, with regulations approved by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. While the exact launch date remains uncertain, sports betting will be limited to in-person betting at the racetrack casino. In the 2020 ballot, 65% of voters supported casino gambling to keep revenues within the state, potentially increasing Nebraska's coffers by $60 million to $120 million annually.
Lincoln Casino surprises with minimal number of police calls despite concerns
Despite concerns from prominent figures such as former Gov. Pete Ricketts, billionaire Warren Buffett and former Husker football coach Tom Osborne, casino gambling in Lincoln has not led to the expected increase in criminal activity, The Lincoln Journal Star reports. Law enforcement data shows that the Lincoln Police Department responded to casinos only 78 times last year. These calls were primarily related to minor disturbances and trespassing incidents, resulting in infrequent charges.
Lincoln Police Capt. Don Scheinost, who leads LPD's southwest team, expressed surprise at the low number of incidents. He expressed gratitude to the team and management of the casino for maintaining a safe environment.
By comparison, other public places such as hospitals and grocery stores receive more calls to the police. For example, the local Bryan West Campus hospital received 1,425 police calls, while Walmart on the southeast side of Lincoln received 326 calls during the same period.
Scheinost emphasized that crimes such as car thefts and vehicle break-ins, which are largely preventable, pose greater challenges for law enforcement. He added that Lincoln residents are not particularly concerned about casino-related crime, and noted that he is rarely asked about the casino's impact on the community.
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission is proactive in addressing gambling problems.
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the state's casinos, is proactive in addressing potential problems associated with gambling establishments. To help prevent human trafficking, a problem sometimes associated with casinos, the commission mandated staff training and the posting of human trafficking posters and hotlines in casino bathrooms.
Casey Ricketts, the commission's director of compliance, acknowledged the possibility of future problems but expressed confidence in their preparedness. She said they are trying to take a very proactive stance, emphasizing the need for collaboration between casinos, problem gaming advocates, law enforcement and human trafficking experts.
Last year, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts approved regulations to allow casino gambling in the state, with applications opening in June 2023. The delay occurred as the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission completed payment of licensing fees.
In October 2022, Nebraska also made progress toward legalizing sports betting in the state, with regulations approved by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. While the exact launch date remains uncertain, sports betting will be limited to in-person betting at the racetrack casino. In the 2020 ballot, 65% of voters supported casino gambling to keep revenues within the state, potentially increasing Nebraska's coffers by $60 million to $120 million annually.
