The History of Nebraska Skill Games
History of Nebraska Skill Games
Nebraska is a state with a long and torrid history of gambling. In the state’s early years, gambling was rampant, and Omaha was considered the gambling capital. Today, most gambling is illegal, and casinos are banned. However, if you walk into a restaurant, bar, convenience store, etc., you will likely see skill-based games set up. Because many people play skill games to win money, individuals may believe this is an illegal form of gambling. However, this is not the case. In order to understand how skill games are legal, it is necessary to know the state’s history and how it defines gambling.
The History of Skill-Based Games in Nebraska
The state of Nebraska is notorious for being strict with its gambling rules and regulations. In fact, until 1934, all forms of gambling in the state were considered illegal. However, in 1934, the Nebraska State Consitution was amended to allow horse-race gambling with certain restrictions. Later, in 1958, the Constitution was amended again to permit bingo games conducted by nonprofit associations. This Consitution was amended again in 1967 to allow raffles, lotteries, and gift enterprises. Finally, in 1992, voters in Nebraska chose to approve legislation that permitted a state lottery.
Over the past 30 years, the state and its residents have gone back and forth over the efficacy of gambling. The state still does not permit casinos, blackjack, dice, roulette, poker, slot machines, and much more. However, in 2019, the state loosened its definition of “gambling” and determined that certain games did not fall under this definition.
Where Skill-Based Games Fall
According to the state of Nebraska, “gambling” occurs when an individual places a monetary bet on an event where the outcome is not determined by skill but rather by chance. Essentially, if an individual has no control over the outcome of an event, they cannot place a bet on that event. When operating with this definition of gambling, skill-based games do not fall into the category.
Skill-based games are games that individuals pay to play, where their skill level determines the game’s outcome. If a player performs well, they can win money. Because the individual is relying on their own skill, these games are not considered gambling, and they are not illegal. However, there are still regulations that establishments must abide by in order to operate them.
Current Legislation on Gaming Equipment
On November 14th, 2020, the Nebraska Department of Revenue enacted new Skill-Game (Cash Device) Regulations. These regulations required that all skill gaming machines be inspected, and that all businesses operating the gaming equipment become licensed operators. The regulations were established to ensure that all locations operate these machines legally.
Develop New Income Stream with Gaming Machines from Funambulist
Are you interested in developing a new income stream for your business? Funambulist Gaming is a skill-based gaming distributor in the state of Nebraska. We provide gaming equipment to businesses throughout the state looking to supplement their revenue streams with out-of-the-box ideas. We work with you to ensure your business abides by all state rules and regulations while benefitting from the increased revenue you can expect. And the best part is—it’s all free. That’s right, we pay the operator’s licensing fee, install the machines, perform routine maintenance, collect the money, and fix the machine if there are any problems. All you have to do is create a space for the machine, let us set it up, and sit back while the money comes in.
Have questions? Interested in working with us? Call (800) 418-6915 or contact an associate to see how we can help your business achieve its financial goals.