Keep the Money in Nebraska is a group that is trying to see a gambling expansion take place in the state. To help the struggling thoroughbred horse racing industry, the group has taken steps to push for a vote to allow casino gaming to be legalized in Nebraska, to be offered at the horse race tracks.

Petition language was submitted to state officials by the group this week to try and earn signatures in the movement. With the Keep the Money in Nebraska initiative, any game of chance as well as gaming device would be allowed at any of the licensed tracks in the state. There are five tracks in operation plus a closed track at South Sioux City.

If enough signatures are gathered, the voters would have the option to vote yes or no for casino gambling during the 2016 general election. If allowed, this would be the first time in ten years that voters had the opportunity to vote on the subject.

A top ranking member of the group, Lance Morgan, stated that the goal of the movement is to create economic development in the state with direct and indirect jobs, plus keep money in the state that has been leaking out to neighboring states. According to Morgan, a survey conducted by Keep the Money in Nebraska resulted in findings that 58% of residents are in support of expanding gambling.

Ho-Chunk Inc., is a sponsor of the initiative and is also the owner of the Atokad Park racetrack which is the closed facility in South Sioux City. Morgan is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ho-Chunk company. Also helping in the initiative are the Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, trainers and horse owners, simulcast racing facility owners, and former State Senator Scott Lautenbaugh.