Will state face a casino vote again?

Well, here we go again ...

This time, the gambling issue pits Las Vegas interests against three Nebraska Indian tribes, who all want to get casinos on the November ballot.

But because two gambling initiatives were rejected in 2004, it's possible that none of the latest efforts will reach the voters.

Gambling has been in a bright spotlight recently, with eight meat processing plant workers winning a $365 million jackpot last weekend, bringing out the dreamer in all of us.

Then, the arrival of February means the ponies are running at Fonner Park in Grand Island.

Locally, a number of individuals face charges related to illegal gambling devices, and a company plans to make a presentation to the City Council about reviving keno in McCook.

Earlier this month, three Nebraska tribes filed a petition that calls for one off-reservation casino, probably near Omaha. Proceeds would go to the tribes, with the state and county in which the casino is located also taking a slice.

Just last week, Boyd Gaming Corp of Las Vegas filed petitions calling for one casino in each of Nebraska's three congressional districts, with 90 percent of the revenue going for K-12 education. The other 10 percent would go to treat gambling addictions and for horse-racing purses to keep that industry going.

But the state constitution requires a three-year waiting period before measures similar "in form or substance" can be brought before voters. The Secretary of State's office is expected to rule on whether that constitutional prohibition applies to the latest measures.

Predictably, gambling opponents are up in arms. "It's an insult to the citizens of Nebraska," said Pat Loontjer of anti-gambling group, Gambling with the Good Life. "They want to take our money, and we want to protect our way of life."

The latest proposal seems attractive in a way, since it assigns a casino to each of Nebraska's congressional district.

Who can argue with 90 percent of the revenue going to K-12 education?

But opponents contend that gambling is a notoriously unreliable source of revenue for something as important as education. And, they say, what kind of example does it set for our children's future to depend on exploitation of the "little guy" who must lose in order for a casino to be successful?

And, yes, it would be nice for the 3rd District to get its share of the gambling pie, but repeated studies show that the costs to society far outweigh the economic benefits.

If approached by a petition circulator, think long and hard, and get all the facts before you sign.