Nebraska Regulator Launches Tip Hotline to Combat Unethical Activities

The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission has joined forces with an anonymous reporting platform to unveil a statewide tip hotline. The initiative aims to tackle unethical or illegal activities within casinos, racetracks, and sports gambling facilities.

RealResponse Platform Powers Nebraska’s New Tip Hotline

The commission officially launched the tip hotline on November 17, utilizing RealResponse, an anonymous reporting platform that allows the public to voice concerns regarding horse racing, casino gaming, and sports gambling activities, reported The Lincoln Journal Star. Reports can cover a range of issues, from corrupt gaming practices to potential criminal activities within these establishments.

Commission Executive Director Tom Sage emphasized the importance of the public’s role in maintaining the integrity of these activities. Sage expressed a desire to be proactive and encouraged the public to share any information relevant to the commission’s oversight. 

Sage emphasized that the reporting system extends beyond gaming-related matters, stating that they also consider situations such as someone observing potential human trafficking in a casino, and they want such incidents reported to them.

Upon receiving tips through the hotline, commission officials assured the public that they would thoroughly investigate the allegations to determine their validity. RealResponse, the chosen platform, offers additional security measures by blocking users attempting to misuse the system for unintended purposes.

RealResponse VP Highlights Risks Amid Nationwide Sports Betting Expansion

The move comes at a time when sports betting and gambling are rapidly expanding across the nation, prompting the need for increased vigilance to protect vulnerable individuals. 

Blake Davidson, vice president of RealResponse, emphasized the challenges posed by the widespread legalization of sports betting, stating that 40 US states currently have legalized some type of sports betting at varying levels, presenting certain challenges.

While executive director Sage initially expressed no immediate need for such a hotline, he acknowledged the changing landscape of the industry, particularly with the introduction of sports betting in Nebraska this year. Sage expressed that introducing this program is a further stride in improving best practices to deter questionable or worrisome activities within the industries under our regulation.

At the same time, despite initial concerns raised by figures like former Gov. Pete Ricketts, Warren Buffet, and ex-Husker football coach Tom Osborne, a year after the opening of WarHorse Lincoln, Nebraska’s first state-licensed casino, criminal activities have not increased as feared. 

Law enforcement data reveals only 78 police responses in the past year, mostly related to minor disturbances and trespassing, with Lincoln Police Captain Don Scheinost crediting the casino’s cooperative staff for maintaining a secure environment.