LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – A proposed bill would eliminate the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling and transfer its services to the state Department of Health and Human Services with reduced funding.
LB-1072 was introduced on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen last week. The bill would eliminate the state organization that connects people to free counseling services for gambling addiction.
Under the proposal, funding would drop from $1.5 million to $900,000 as services transfer to DHHS.
Mike Sciandra, executive director of the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling, said the decision could hurt Nebraska families.
“Without that treatment, I truly believe I would be dead or in jail at this point,” Sciandra said. “This is life or death for so many people out there. It’s beyond just being a behavioral issue, it is a public health issue. If we are going to make cuts anywhere, this feels like such a horrible place to do it and so many Nebraskans and their families will be affected.”
Dave Geier, director for the program overseen by the commission, said the need for counseling is crucial.
“The need for this kind of service will just go up,” Geier said. “Everyday, there are new types of gambling that are being promoted by the corporate gambling sponsors, and everyone one of those then, will increase the likelihood that more people will get in trouble.”
The commission has seen a 40 percent increase in counseling services over the last couple of years. Gambling was not allowed in Nebraska prior to 2020.
The bill has been referred to a committee, but a hearing has not been set.
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