A ballot initiative submitted by three Nebraska tribes would change the state constitution to allow them to jointly operate a Class III casino off the reservation.

In exchange, the Winnebago, Santee Sioux and Omaha tribes would not offer Class III gaming on their reservations. A fourth tribe, the Poncas, would have the option of joining the effort by the end of the year.

Opponents say the tribes should drop the proposal because Class III gaming was rejected by voters in November 2004. They say the state constitution prohibits the same ballot initiative, "either in form or in essential substance," from being submitted more than once in three years.

Get the Story:
Tribes, gambling opponents at odds over latest effort (The Lincoln Journal Star 2/15)