Nebraska budget could cut problem gambling funding by 60%
Published:
Jan 28, 2026
,
02:32 p.m.
ET
Gambling action across Nebraska is more accessible than ever, yet state leaders are considering a budget proposal that would significantly decrease the funding allocated to problem gambling and how it is addressed.
Multiple concerns have been raised by addiction treatment advocates in the Cornhusker State following Governor Jim Pillen’s proposed budget, which would reduce funding for problem gambling programs and dissolve the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling.
Those in favor of the change say they are trying to streamline efforts, categorize problem gambling as a health issue, and they argue integrating services into the state’s broader behavioral health system would improve efficiency and care for individuals and families affected. Those opposed believe this will weaken the already-strained treatment capacity at a time when more Nebraskans are seeking gambling-related help.
Why would Nebraska cut gambling addiction funding, eliminate the Commission on Problem Gambling?
Currently, 2.5% of gaming revenue is dedicated to funding problem gambling education and treatment. Governor Pillen’s proposal would lower that share to 1%, resulting in what Mike Sciandra, executive director of the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling, sees as a 60% reduction from the current funding level from casinos to these programs.
The budget would also entirely eliminate the NCPB, which was created in 2013 to oversee the state’s response to gambling addiction. Its responsibilities would move under the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
The benefits of consolidation could be seen, as the DHHS already employs counselors and behavioral health professionals, but Sciandra says the change introduces considerable uncertainty.
"There's been an increase of approximately 40% over the last couple of years in problem gambling treatment services that are being offered within the state,” Sciandra told KETV7 Omaha. “We’re hardly able to keep up with demand.”
Sciandra also emphasized that gambling addiction has become a crisis. “It’s truly a life-or-death situation for many of our clients.”
History of recent gambling expansion in Nebraska
Nebraska has historically taken a conservative approach to legalized gambling, allowing only limited forms such as tribal casinos. That changed in November 2020, when voters approved a constitutional amendment permitting commercial casinos at licensed horse racing tracks.
By 2022, Nebraska’s first commercial casinos opened: WarHorse Casino Omaha, WarHorse Gaming Lincoln, Grand Island Casino and Resort and Harrah’s Columbus. Since then, revenue has surged, especially with the introduction of sports betting at those retail locations in June 2023.
As of July 2025, according to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, the state’s four commercial casinos generated $24.2 million in revenue in a single month, a 149% increase year over year.
Slot machines alone accounted for nearly 85% of that revenue. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue to debate whether online sports betting will be legalized, which would explode access.
As gambling availability has continued to expand, many have been more vocal that guardrails for prevention and treatment must expand alongside it, not shrink.
Keith Whyte, who led the National Council on Problem Gambling as Executive Director for 26 years and now serves as CEO of Safer Gambling Strategies (and an advisor of Birches Health), is also critical of this proposed measure, explaining:
“The state of Nebraska has massively expanded gambling since 2020, and made $52 million in gambling tax revenue (excluding the lottery) last year alone. So this proposal to cut funding for problem gambling funding is both bad timing and bad policy. The state has an obligation to use their profits from gambling tax revenue to address problem gambling. With proper support from both government and the private sector, programs to prevent and treat gambling problems work wonders. From 12-step meetings in church basements to cutting-edge telehealth treatment, people who suffer from problem gambling and their families deserve access to comprehensive care.”
Gambling addiction treatment options in Nebraska today
Options for gambling addiction treatment in Nebraska includes counseling and support services designed to address both the psychological drivers of gambling and its real-world consequences.
With demand rising sharply, advocates worry reduced funding could reduce convenience, eliminate outreach programs and limit access for those who need help most.
Some positive news is that Birches Health is available in Nebraska, providing specialized online gambling addiction treatment to Nebraska residents. Care is accessible confidentially from the comfort of home and can be covered by insurance.
Online treatment options with Birches Health include:
One-on-one therapy with licensed, certified counselors
Clinician-led group therapy, offering structured support and accountability in a confidential setting guided by a licensed counselor
Peer support
Family and Couples Counseling
If you, your child or someone you love is struggling with gambling, help is available now. Reach out to Birches Health today:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
