Nebraska Gaming Commission Purchases Semi-Automatic Rifles for Safety Measures

The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission recently made headlines with its purchase of 10 semi-automatic rifles, each fully equipped and short-barreled. These firearms, totaling a cost of $30,351, are intended for use by the agency's 10 investigators in the event of a shooting incident at a casino or racetrack.

The decision to buy these rifles has not been without controversy. Steve Eppens, an investigator with the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, emphasized the agency's duty to protect the public in case of an active shooter event. However, the purchase has raised eyebrows among state lawmakers and some board members overseeing the commission.

Records show that the agency attempted to cancel the order two months before its placement, but it was too late. The purchase also drew criticism as it prioritized firearms over providing vehicles for all investigators.

Dennis Lee, a member of the commission's board, acknowledged the subjective nature of the purchase but expressed concerns about how it was handled. He assured the public that the rifles would not be handed over to investigators until clear policies, protocols, and procedures were established for their storage, training, and use.

All 10 investigators working for the regulator are certified by the state, considered deputy state sheriffs, and authorized to carry handguns. With the expansion of the casino gambling market in Nebraska, the commission has increased its staff, including investigators. Their responsibilities include background checks, investigating crimes, handling customer complaints, and addressing rule violations within casino and racing venues.

Since the opening of the first licensed casino in Nebraska over a year ago, investigators have encountered various criminal activities, including human trafficking, money laundering, and drug dealing. The need for increased security measures to combat these issues became evident, culminating in the acquisition of the semi-automatic rifles.

Eppens and Steve Anderson, the agency's director of enforcement, emphasized that these rifles were purchased with the goal of safeguarding both patrons and officers during catastrophic events, such as active shooter incidents, ensuring the safety of Nebraska's growing gambling industry.