Leaders of three Nebraska tribes launched their petition to legalize gaming in the state on Thursday, saying casino revenues will help them become self-sufficient.

The Winnebago Tribe, the Omaha Tribe and the Santee Sioux Tribe are currently limited to Class II gaming. The state has refused to negotiate a Class III gaming compact.

The tribes are seeking to amend the state constitution to authorize Class III casinos on their reservations plus one off the reservation. They want the issue placed on the November ballot.

The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in Arizona donated $250,000 to help the tribes collect the 115,000 signatures they need by July 7.

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Tribes say impoverished reservations deserve gambling benefits (AP 5/19)