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Racing and Gaming Commission: Proposed Transfers Could Force Large Regulatory Fees; Gamblers Assistance Officials Warn of Cuts
Summary
Racing and Gaming Director Casey Ricketts warned the governor's proposed $2 million annual transfer from the racetrack gaming fund could require new per‑casino regulatory fees. Separately, the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program and clinicians warned that proposals to reduce dedicated revenue and move the program could undermine specialized counseling services.
Casey Ricketts, executive director of the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, told the Appropriations Committee that the growth of casino gaming since voter authorization has significantly increased commission responsibilities and staff. He said the governor’s proposal to transfer $2 million per year from the racetrack gaming fund to the general fund would reduce the commission’s cash balance and likely require higher regulatory fees on authorized gaming operators.
Ricketts estimated regulatory‑fee scenarios "anywhere between $700,000 and close to $1,000,000 dollars per casino per year" depending on calculations, and said the commission would seek to be fair and not overreach when setting those fees. He noted the commission obtains revenue primarily from license fees, including a $5 million license tied to casino openings and ongoing key‑person licensure fees.
Gamblers assistance funding and structure: Susan Lutz, chair of the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program, and Director David Geier described the program’s counseling, prevention and school curriculum work and warned that budget language and bill proposals could reduce dedicated funding (a proposed change in casino allocations from 2.5% to 1% was discussed) and move administration to other agencies. Geier supplied internal budget spreadsheets showing dependence on quarterly revenue streams (lottery, charitable gaming and casino taxes) and cautioned that moving the program could reduce transparency and the program’s ability to plan for counseling services.
Clinician testimony: Licensed mental health practitioner Michael Sullivan testified that gambling disorder requires specialized counseling and said the program provides no‑cost services for those in financial crisis; he urged the committee not to eliminate the commission or reduce its funding.
Policy implications: Committee members raised concerns that reducing or transferring funds earmarked for problem‑gambling services would be counter to the expansion of gaming access, and discussed potential collaboration with the Racing and Gaming Commission if the Gamblers Assistance Program were to be administratively relocated.
