Gambling with the Good Life's History

Gambling with the Good Life challenged the petition in court and won! The judgment was appealed to the Supreme Court which ruled on September 19th to hear the case, but not until after January 2003. Nebraska had been spared from the destruction of casino style gambling for at least two years. That’s two years of grace for Nebraska families. That’s two years when the heartache caused by addiction, bankruptcies, domestic abuse, divorces, crimes and even suicides will be lessened.

In 2004 two casino measures finally reached the ballot, one through the petition process and one through the legislature. Each received primary financial backing from a Las Vegas casino: between them, Coast Casino and the Venetian Casino provided the majority of the $7 million spent to push the proposals. It was the most expensive campaign in Nebraska history.

Gambling with the Good Life coordinated the opposition effort. Congressman Tom and Nancy Osborne served as spokespeople. Investment guru Warren Buffett taped a 30 minute "Fireside Chat" discussing the negative effect gambling has on families and the economy. Former TD AmeriTrade Executive Pete Ricketts stepped into an active role as did Gallup University. Every newspaper and church joined our opposition. And, we emerged victorious.