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Letters, 8/14: Unknown gambling facts

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Thursday, Aug 14, 2008 - 12:22:49 am CDT

Mr. Chuck Zellers, you are correct (letter, Aug. 8)! There are quite a few facts about gambling that are unknown to Nebraska voters.

I have played keno and pickle cards and the lottery, scratch-off games and Powerball.

Now that’s gambling!

I have also been a keno manager and saw many a folk cash their check, and in one or two hours it was gone!

I have been to the casino in Iowa, and here’s the difference:

I enjoy the drive, no kids. (I like kids, just not in an adult environment, especially with parents who don’t watch them.)

I have taken less money to the casino than I used to spend on keno, and I have stayed there for four to six hours on the same cash, because I do not take plastic. I have been fed a great meal, had a greater variety of games to choose from, free soft drinks or coffee, because I do not drink, and those who do drink and get out of hand are dealt with.

Oh, and way less tax when I do win, which I have.

If Nebraska is so concerned about gambling addiction, then how come the state has not increased the 1 percent of gambling proceeds that go to treat gambling addiction?

Mary Brumbaugh, Lincoln

Don’t get expectations up

A bit of clarification regarding the letter from Carita Baker (Aug. 7): The letter states “in order to qualify for the CTC, a family must have a minimum income of $12,050.”

CTC (a nonrefundable credit) is based on tax liability — if there is no tax liability, the taxpayer receives no CTC.

The “minimum income level” that is quoted is one of several factors that are considered when determining whether the taxpayer qualifies for any Additional Child Tax Credit (a refundable credit).

Reducing the minimum income threshold will help some people, but probably not 66,000 kids — and the majority of those people will not receive $1,000 for each qualifying child.

This letter is not meant to be a comment on the balance of the letter from Carita Baker — it is only an attempt to caution people against having unrealistic expectations when having their taxes prepared.

Sonia Heckel, Lincoln

Avoid running dogs in heat

I saw a woman running two beautiful, spotted hunting dogs along the bike path near Old Cheney. The temperature that afternoon was 91 degrees and the humidity 57 (considered high); the heat index was 100 degrees. I hope the dogs made it home safely.

I’m sure she loves her dogs, but she evidently doesn’t realize that exercising dogs in heat and humidity is very dangerous. Contrary to what most people believe, dogs are much more susceptible to heatstroke than humans.

Dogs don’t sweat like we do, and panting is not nearly as effective as sweating to dissipate heat. Walking dogs in the heat of the day is not advised, much less running them. Many dogs will go until they drop if their master asks them to.

Heatstroke is deadly to dogs and can happen very quickly. Most don’t survive, and those who do frequently have major health problems as a result of damage to internal organs.

It is sad and unnecessary to lose a dog to heatstroke. People should not take a chance with their best friend!

There is great information available about dogs and heatstroke on the Internet. Every dog owner has a responsibility to be informed.

Joyce Wheeler, Lincoln


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UpInSmoke wrote on August 14, 2008 5:56 am:
" Mary Brumbaugh, I couldnt agree with you more! But unfortunatly we live in a state where a select few impose their will & ideals on the majority, the state fair is a prime example. Just remember that Iowa absolutely LOVES it that Nebraska doesnt allow casino gambling. Iowa would stand to loose $300+ million in revenue every year & that doesnt count the money Nebraskan's spend at other retail outlet's in Iowa when they visit the casino's. I'd really be interested to know what the crime & bankruptcy rate in Council Bluff's is compared to Lincoln? I've got a feeling that the comparison would be something that the anti gambling people wouldnt want us to know. "

 LDE wrote on August 14, 2008 7:47 am:
" So offering another venue where people can bring their paycheck and lose it before leaving the establishment will be a good thing for Nebraska? We seem to be arguing for something far worse on the basis of the distructive behavior of something we already have! How in heavens name is that a wise thing to do? We are a much better and more financially solvent State as a result of keeping Casino gambling from cannibalizing our economy. Now that a smart choice! "

 GWTGL wrote on August 14, 2008 7:52 am:
" Keno and pickle cards and the lottery, scratch-off games and Powerball are all evil and gambling with the good life. They need to be removed from the state. We should also remove all playing cards just to be safe. You should not be trusted to make your own decisions. "

 mitchy_v wrote on August 14, 2008 9:21 am:
" Not every person that walks into a casino brings their paycheck and lose it. Most people are able to decide FOR THEMSELVES how much they care to spend. Your agurment is to ban the casino to protect a few. Then shouldn't we ban cars because a few don't know how to drive? Let me make my own decisions. If you don't like gambling, then don't do it and don't ask for any of the benifit the money will bring to our economy. "

 Nancy McNosey wrote on August 14, 2008 9:50 am:
" Who's business is it where people spend or what they do with their paychecks? Honestly? You don't like gambling? Fine, don't gamble. If you have been affected by someone with a gambling problem, then that's an issue for you to deal with. Why should everyone else have to be hamstrung because of it? "

 There wrote on August 14, 2008 9:56 am:
" We gamble over there so we don't have to fight it here. "

 There are many more wrote on August 14, 2008 9:59 am:
" people who don't gamble away their life compared to people who do. Otherwise Omaha wold be filled with homeless. Why do all people from Nebraska feel like they should make my choices? Now it is gambling, yesterday it was alcohol, next it will be food(california is on its way). You people really need to find something to do with your spare time, maybe get a hobby? "

 Jay wrote on August 14, 2008 10:03 am:
" In addition to cashing their check in a Casino, those same people most likely drink and smoke it away as well. So even though there are no Casinos in Nebraska to cash their checks, they still blow the money on beer and cigarettes. It doesn't matter whether or not Nebraska has Casinos. They waste the money either way. The only difference is that Nebraska is losing out. "

 Moral wrote on August 14, 2008 10:30 am:
" Nebraska’s legal gambling options (keno, pickle cards, scratch cards, etc.) have some of the worst odds in the gaming industry. So we as a state are saying okay to gambling with very little opportunity for someone to actually win, but no to casinos who offer much better odds. So Nebraska is okay with gambling as long as the state gets all the proceeds and the game is rigged in their favor.
That's not really a moral stance, is it? "

 Doggie Daddy wrote on August 14, 2008 10:41 am:
" Great advice Joyce! It is good to see a reminder about pet safety. My dogs are both black and white marked, and I have noticed the black parts of their coats get MUCH hotter than the white (pretty obvious). When I am out camping or walking with the dogs on hot sunny days, I often put a damp white T-shirt on each of them. This helps out immensely! Just use a normal cotton human t-shirt, one that is loose, but not so baggy that they will trip on it. You can use a kid's size, and cut the neck hole bigger to fit over you doggie's head. The evaporation keeps them cool, and the white bounces more sunlight off. You can re-wet the shirt if you are out a long time.

And, as always, dogs need lots of water on hot days! Always bring along a water bottle and colapsable bowl for your doggies! They get even thirstier than you do :)

Remeber, if you wouldnt do it to your child, dont do it to your dog! :) "

 Sean wrote on August 14, 2008 10:56 am:
" LOL...There was a study done (results published and broadcasted) and it was found that even during these "difficult" economic times people were still spending the same amount, if not more, on cigarettes, alchol and gambling. Yep, people will have their vices. Trouble is that they'll be spending their money on them in Iowa and not here. "

 Well wrote on August 14, 2008 11:19 am:
" Ya know how people compensate an excuse for something they've done wrong!
So does Nebraska. You tell me the difference between the lottery & keno
when it comes to gambling verses the casinos. One thing the casino owners
are making the big bucks. Yeah, originally they were to suffice schools
need for taxes. But like farming or the stock market there is a downside
often. Most people never win gambling. Headlines in the news: "Tough
times for Indiana casinos." "A $31million drop in state taxes collected
by Indiana's gaming industry in July over June." They have 13 casinos and
one was shut down for a week because of "slow" business. "They have joined
the crowded field of casino operators struggling in the nation's economic
slump." Also in the news item it stated: "Casinos are a major source of
tax revenue for the state and according to the industry, losing more
middle income gamblers." "It has become a major concern among the state's
13 casinos which have seen a major drop in visitors." They do have the
population, business and industry, working futures, growing progressiveness, and a good place to live. If that were to happen in
Nebraska, if they had casinos and relied on it for taxes, Nebraska won't
progress or grow, so it only falls back on the low salaries and retireds
savings, which is what Nebraska does now!!!!!! "

 Thanks Sonia wrote on August 14, 2008 12:39 pm:
" Thanks for providing the useful information on the CTC. "

 doggie mom wrote on August 14, 2008 12:46 pm:
" Thank you, Joyce, for the reminder. And also, if you MUST keep your dog in a kennel (cage) outside, please be sure they have some sort of shade. I've seen dogs in kennels (cages) with NO shade. That's animal abuse. "

 rob wrote on August 14, 2008 12:49 pm:
" Joyce, how right you are. That woman was not showing much concern for her
dogs. Dogs do get heatstroke, cause we had a friend that found that out the hard way and had to finally have his dog put to sleep. We had a dog
that had heart problems. Our daughter-in-law, a nurse, said it was the
same kind of medicine that they gave humans. If one is not going to take
care of their animals, then for pete sake don't have them. Also a footnote
PLEASE do not leave you animals in a car during the hot summers. They get
over heated & die. "

 mitchy_v wrote on August 14, 2008 12:49 pm:
" You can't rely on the casino money, but you can use it to suppliment any shortfalls prior to raising property taxes, gas taxes, etc. If you vote agaist casinos, don't complain about your taxes. "

 Beedle wrote on August 14, 2008 2:18 pm:
" Thanks Joyce! There's also the chance the dog might burn its feet on the pavement during the hottest times of the day. This is especially important advice to follow with very young or old dogs, and dogs with short faces such as boxers or Boston terriers.

I tend to limit my activities with my dogs (heck, with myself too, I HATE the heat) to the early morning or around sundown. "

 JJ wrote on August 15, 2008 8:46 am:
" "A select few impose their will????" Are you referring to the several statewide votes where the voters rejected casinos? Is the majority of Nebraskans "a select few?" I suppose you would like a judge to come in and say the will of the people is irrelevant - we will have casions. "

 Lincoln taxpayer wrote on August 15, 2008 2:41 pm:
" It's strange everyone I know voted for gambling in this state, I have yet to find anyone who voted against it but I don't know too many old people.
It might be time for another vote. "

 Noah wrote on August 18, 2008 5:12 pm:
" I agree with Moral. The selective choice of having lottery tickets (odds frequently from 1:3 to 1:4), pickle cards (probably similar), and other similar things seems to have a darker feel to it--this is where the house (i.e. the state) comes out the winner, but with casinos, where all the games usually have better odds, people may be more likely to gamble there, but there is still the benefit of the income that people would more likely bring to the casino than to play the lottery.

And as for the immorality of it, people do have their vices. But they have free will, and so if you oppose gambling, you don't have to go. Then again, it's a question of economic opportunity versus morality, I suppose. Are there any Native reservations in Nebraska that do allow casinos? I know that is the case in Kansas, where gambling is otherwise illegal. "

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