The Lancaster County Board unanimously passed an interlocal agreement on February 12th, 2010 that would allow the game of keno in Bennet. The gaming agreement must be approved first by the Lincoln City Council before keno gaming is permitted in Bennet, a town of 570 individuals about fourteen miles southeast of Lincoln.
The Bennet Village Board approved keno gaming on three-to-two decision on February 8th, 2010. Approval by the Lancaster Board and the Lincoln City Council is needed because Bennet never held a special referendum to give itself the sole power to permit keno gaming.
The Bennet Village Board believes that the game of keno will help them maintain vital services in their community and bring money to Bennet's coffers.
Nancy Turner of the Bennet Square Bar is collaborating with Big Red Keno to get keno started at her establishment. A lawyer for Big Red Keno, Bill Harvey, told the Lancaster County Board that the interlocal agreement will permit other keno locations in Bennet but the initial keno application is for the Bennet Square Bar.
Turner said that if the City Council approves, a keno operation could be started at the Bennet Square Bar in just three months.
[04-03]
John M. Thorpe
