Nebraska Refuses to OK Betting

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraskans won’t get a chance to bet legally on sporting events as the Legislature narrowly voted today to kill a measure that would have legalized and taxed bookmaking.

“Everyone wagers and bets on sporting events,” said Sen. Ernest Chambers of Omaha, sponsor of LB757. “This simply recognizes the existence of this activity.” But the lawmakers voted 24 to 23 to kill the measure, which would have required sports pool operators to pay a $500 license fee and imposed a tax of one-half of 1% on the gross amount wagered.