Following a critical state report questioning the oversight of millions in state casino gaming revenue, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission announced Friday the hiring of a gaming auditor. Ari Saltzman will step into the role, tasked with reviewing financial records and reports from gaming operators to ensure compliance with the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act and commission regulations. Saltzman’s annual salary is $45,364.80.
The hiring comes after an October report by State Auditor Mike Foley criticized the commission’s oversight of casino tax revenues as “lackluster at best and oftentimes nonexistent.” Commission Chairman Denny Lee explained that the need for an auditor had been identified months before the release of the state report, as the commission’s oversight responsibilities expanded significantly following the approval of casino gaming by voters in 2020.
Currently, four casinos paired with licensed horse tracks are operational in Columbus, Grand Island, Lincoln, and Omaha. During the fiscal year ending June 30, the commission collected nearly $20 million in casino tax revenue. Of this, 70% was allocated to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund to provide tax relief to property owners. Another 25% went to counties and municipalities hosting racetracks, while the remaining 5% was split between the state’s general fund and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund.
Lee noted that the commission requested the state audit to identify and address weaknesses in its processes and procedures. Executive Director Casey Ricketts, who was confirmed earlier this year, said efforts to recruit a gaming auditor had been underway for over a year and a half as part of a broader initiative to meet the agency’s expanded regulatory responsibilities.
Ricketts emphasized that corrective steps to address deficiencies highlighted in the audit are already in progress. Lee further stated that the new auditor would collaborate closely with the state auditor to ensure accurate revenue tracking and accountability, aiming to maintain public trust and avoid legislative scrutiny.
The auditor’s report found that the commission had not consistently reviewed casino reports to verify proper tax collection, despite regulatory requirements for weekly, quarterly, and annual reviews. Moving forward, the commission is committed to strengthening its oversight and improving its regulatory processes.
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