Nebraskans Ready to Legalize 'Video Keno'

Video Keno is a digital version of the regular casino game of Keno. The game begins by placing one's wager -- whether coins or tokens -- into the machine's slot. Then, as is in conventional Keno, the player is presented a screen with eighty numbers, numbers 1 through 80.
 
The player then simply picks the number he or she wishes to play - as few as one, as many as twenty. The machine then randomly selects twenty numbers, again, as in a regular Keno game. Players are paid when their numbers match those picked by the machine. These Video Keno machines are available in many denominations, from nickels up to $5. Some casinos even offer $25 machines.
 
On the November 7 ballot, voters in Nebraska will have the chance choose whether or not, to bring Video Keno to Nebraska. The so-called "Initiative 421," a voter referendum, would allow Keno to be played on a self–service machine alone or alongside the regular Keno game, throughout the state.

Backers of the gambling legalization say it will bring "millions" of dollars of revenue to the state, but some religious zealots are worried that many will become "addicted"  to these video games, without specifying how that may happen.
 

Already Legal

Video gaming is already legal in 140 communities in the state, situated next door to Iowa, and near Missouri, which now allow the Keno machine. For more than 20 years,  gaming enthusiasts on the local level in Nebraska have traded their spare change for a ticket at the counter of the grocery store or convenience store or other public venue, like a bar or night club, and played their Keno games. 

But, Initiative 421 will make new video gaming even easier, bringing self–service video machines to all Nebraskans.

“We need an edge back into the community,” said Michael Nevrivy, a spokesman for the Initiative 421 project. "It's a technological upgrade that is just in time."

The only certified gambling counselor from Lincoln to Norfolk , Ron Felton, said that $50,000 a year will be set aside by the state from Keno tax revenues for treatment of any folks who develop an addiction to the games. There may be even more money for that in the future. "They are talking about expanding,” Felton said.

Supporters of Initiatve 421 say Video Keno will bring more revenues than are expected, maybe even 10 times current projections, or millions of dollars a year.

“With Video Keno it is 100 games an hour but there is no max on the amount you buy,” said Neviry, the spokesman for the initiative.

If the referendum passes, every city throughout the state will then have to decide how fast a game can start after one is finished; city councilmen will also have to decide how many machines to put in their small community. Johnny Carson, who played many gigs in Las Vegas during his illustrious career, would probably be overjoyed at the news, "Heeeree's Keno."

More information on the initiative can be located online at,  http://www.nebraskavideokeno.com .


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