Keith County Residents in Nebraska Mixed on Potential Casino

Keith County locals and Greater Nebraska residents attended the City of Ogallala’s Planning Commission meeting Tuesday evening to share their thoughts on a potential Keith County casino. Arguments intensified to the point that one city official exited the meeting, according to KNOP News 2.

Ogallala Planning and Zoning Administrator said the action item on their agenda did not pertain to Keith County casino

Brandon Scott, Ogallala Planning and Zoning Administrator, told those in attendance that the action item on their agenda did not relate to casino development.

“Everyone should have been at the meeting that opposed legalizing gambling. That is my issue, it’s a land-use issue. We’re not approving a casino,” said Scott.

As tensions escalated during public testimony, Scott had decided to exit the meeting.

“Where were you in 2022? You came and protested it? Did you vote for it? We’re discussing the land. So if it was a Taco Johns going in there, would you be here? Keep the minutes, I’m out,” said Scott as he exited.

Community members shared similar concerns at the meeting.

“My wife and I when we moved here found the town to be welcoming. We found it to be peaceful and we enjoy this community, we love this community. We’re concerned that a casino will change the moral makeup of the community, and we’re concerned about potential crime,” said Matt Waitley, Pastor of Ogallala’s New Hope Church.

“Do we want the face of our community to change or the moral fabric to change, potentially, it’s not guaranteed but it’s our fear. That is why we are all here because we are worried that this is going to bring some unwanted things into our community.”

Residents are divided over the prospect of a casino

Don Larreau, Associate Pastor at New Hope Church, is a Keith County resident. He shared his experience of living near casinos in Colorado and California before moving to Nebraska.

“And I can tell you that at no point did they ever raise the moral compass of their community. Addiction increased, sex trafficking increased, homelessness increased, and spousal abuse increased,” said Larreau.

“Morality aside, there are other issues that are involved as well. I know several folks in the business, I won’t mention their names, but they will leave the area because casinos make them unprofitable.”

However, Grant native and Ogallala educator Zach White questioned why other Nebraska communities are against the Keith County casino. He believes a resort casino would be a great addition to any county in the Cornhusker State.

“I’m trying to figure out why there isn’t a beautiful resort casino in Hastings right now because my understanding was this license was originally in Adams County and got transferred here,” said White.

Per KNOP News 2, on a vote of 3-5, planning commissioners gave a negative recommendation on the land rezoning. Ogallala Planning Commission Chairman Austyn Dupeire also commented on the project.

“This item will not go to the city council, it will have to be refilled and come across this board again in order to be discussed in the future.”