Lincoln, Nebraska - As Election Day draws nearer, Nebraska's Catholic Bishops - Archbishop Michael G. McGovern, Bishop James D. Conley, and Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt - issued the following joint statement against online sports gambling, urging all Nebraskans to vote against Initiatives 440 and 441:
"We urge Nebraskans, especially Catholics, to vote ‘Against’ Initiatives 440 and 441. These measures would expand predatory online sports gambling in our state. False promises of small property tax relief do not outweigh the serious social problems these initiatives would cause Nebraskans. Online sports gambling often targets people who are vulnerable to addiction, especially young men and teenagers. This can lead to family problems, debt, bankruptcy, homelessness, and mental health issues. Online sports gambling isn’t a harmless wager among friends. It turns every part of a game – play call, free throw, serve, or a pitch – into a bet where the house always wins, which harms sports and student-athletes. Let's not turn every phone into a casino. Please vote ‘Against’ Initiatives 440 and 441."
More information about the Nebraska Catholic Conference's opposition to Initiatives 440 and 441 can be found here.
The Nebraska Catholic Conference (NCC) is a statewide association operated jointly by the Archdiocese of Omaha, Diocese of Grand Island, and Diocese of Lincoln. Located in Lincoln, the NCC represents the public policy interests of Nebraska's three Roman Catholic bishops before the Nebraska legislature, the Nebraska delegation in Congress, and state agencies. The public policy issues addressed by the NCC include matters related to life and human dignity; marriage, family, and human sexuality; Catholic education; social and human development; and institutional concerns of the Catholic Church.
215 Centennial Mall South, Ste. 310 * Lincoln, NE 68508 * Tel: 402-477-7517 * Web: NEcatholic.org
