The legality of poker in the state of Nebraska is still an ongoing issue after a bill which would classify poker as a game of skill, rather than chance, was defeated last Wednesday by Nebraskan state senators. The drive to legalize poker in the Cornhusker state began last year with the proposed Legislative Bill 619, but it faces a great deal of opposition. Nebraskan poker players are calling for legislation to license poker in their home state, as they are typically forced to travel to neighbouring Iowa to avail of legal poker facilities. They’re arguing that it will be a significant boost to the local economy.
Bill 619 was originally proposed by Senator Tyson Larson, but has had a turbulent time so far. It was Nebraska’s first serious push for legalised poker playing but due to the conflicting issue of skill and chance, it has run into difficulties. While poker itself is agreed by many to be a game of skill, some variations (particularly draw poker) are deemed to be games of chance. Senator Larson has commented on the issue, saying “the Nebraska Constitution outlaws games of chance but I’m saying poker is not a game of chance; it is a game of skill. It is therefore constitutional under the Nebraska State Constitution. It is the mechanism in which we will regulate and tax poker, but also boost economic development in the state of Nebraska and hopefully not let our surrounding states bleed us dry from all the gambling revenue.” Larson has been criticised by different anti-gambling factions within the state who fear legalizing poker will negatively affect families and businesses.
The bill received a negative reaction from the state attorney general, who believed that draw games might not be allowed under the state constitution. It did not make it past the state legislature last year and has failed to pass again this month. An amendment to the bill which would allow only games with community cards (like Texas Hold’em) to be legalised was rejected by state legislators last week, 16 votes to 14. It needs 35 votes to pass.
Bill 619 will be voted again on sometime this year. If the Bill eventually manages to pass, it will allow establishments with liquor licenses to apply for approval to run poker games or tournaments for cash (with a $500 limit).
Nebraska has been known to be unfriendly toward casino-style gambling. The bill isn’t completely defeated, but it would only be revived if a Nebraskan senator or committee decides it is a priority.
