Letter to the Editor

Keep Nebraska gambling money in the state

Monday, July 8, 2019

Dear Editor,

I’m writing this letter in response tot he July 1 Gazette, topic “Casino petition launched,” by Grant Schulte.

I have been waiting for over 20 years to see Nebraska have a casino.

I have carried and signed petitions over the years to no avail. Just want to say thanks to Lance Morgan, CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc. for trying to get the measure on the ballot in 2020.

I have spoken with Lance several times and this man knows what he is doing. I also have talked to Mr. Dan Hughes on this same casino measure, but to no satisfaction as of yet. All the Legislature wants to do is tax all Nebraskans to death.

Put gambling in. Let everyone share the pie. As was projected, hundreds of millions of dollars cross our state each year. South Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas, Colorado and Iowa take the money from Nebraska people each day. You can’t close your eyes and hope it goes away.

Casinos are a part of the Midwest. If an individual is going to gamble, they will gamble. No one will stop them. Jump in your car, cross th bridge, you’re in Iowa. What a good time. Slot machines, roulette tables, craps tables and card games, not to mention the great food. I, for one, fly out of North Platte to Wendover, Nevada. A couple can go four days and three nights for $159 for two people. The plane always has 147 Southwest Nebraska people on board.

It’s a great time. Also, we have a group that goes to Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City, Kan., and to Rosebud just north of Valentine, Neb.

Like I said, gambling is already out there. Not in Nebraska, as it should be?

Bring the money back to Nebraska where we have earned it and spend our money in a casino here in our state. This will create jobs for many people and like they say, “You build it, they will come.” Start letting other states and people help our state. Driving down I-80 to stop and play, eat and stay the night. This is helping our economy right now.

All I ask is to get this casino measure by Mr. Morgan to the ballot. Let all of Nebraska vote and se what happens. I personally think 20 years has been long enough.

If anyone out there loves to play slot machines or get dealt a hand of blackjack, write in, voice your opinions, now.

Mr. Lance Morgan can’t do it all.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Monte Cooper,

Culbertson, Neb.

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