NEBRASKA CITY – Otoe County commissioners updated application forms for Keno funds to highlight accountability for grant recipients.

Even as the keno fund swells to $310,000 at the start of the next grant cycle, commissioners invited more applications and better record keeping.

Commissioner Chuck Cole said the new application forms have minor updates to track how and when funds are used.

Cole: “The biggest problem we are having is trying to get the receipts from the people.”

The county has two grant programs for keno funds.

The social investment grants are for community betterment with priority for projects that are expected to increase sales or lodging taxes. Awards are to be spent within a year and receipts are required for all purchases.

Guidelines for the economic growth grant program also require timely expenditures and receipts. Economic growth grants are capped at $30,000.

This year’s grants were awarded for playground equipment at Otoe, a fort pavilion at Kearney Hill Park and an outdoor warning siren in Talmage.

Nebraska reports $365 million in keno wagering in 2023 from its 184 licenses. $270 million was paid out in prizes and lottery operators charged $46 million.

Wagered by county in 2023

Cass, $4,268,040

Johnson, $404,255

Nemaha, $62,398

Otoe, $1,735,709

Pawnee, $0

Richardson, $577,417

Gross wagered by license (total wagers minus prizes, commissions)

Plattsmouth, $2.5 million

Otoe Co., $1.4 million

Cass Co., $817,000

Rulo, $577,000

Tecumseh, $404,000

Avoca, $336,000

Lorton, $177,000

Syracuse, $88,206

Auburn, $62,000

Unadilla, $45,000

 

https://revenue.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/2023%20Charitable%20Gaming%20Annual%20Report.pdf