Controversy is brewing over a proposed casino in Carter Lake. The National Indian Gaming Commission has given its blessing for the Ponca Tribe to build a casino in the community that borders Omaha. The Omaha City Council is getting ready to voice opposition to the venture. Governor Dave Heineman and Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey have already voiced their opposition as well. Carter Lake Mayor Russ Kramer says Nebraska needs to mind its own business. Mayor Kramer stated there are enough problems in Omaha and they should concentrate on those issues instead of sticking their nose in business in Carter Lake.
Omaha officials claim that people will use Omaha infrastructure to reach the casino and there are other social ills associated with gambling/gaming attractions. Mayor Kramer says thousands of people daily use Omaha streets to travel to the three casinos in Council Bluffs. He stated that 80 percent of the vehicles parked there are from Nebraska and most from Omaha. There is also the concern about the social ills that casinos can breed. Officials in Nebraska have already written letters to the Department of Justice with the hope of challenging the building of the casino.
Officials in Nebraska have already written letters to the Department of Justice and hope to challenge the building of this casino.