Like many other activities in the region, Keno in Scotts Bluff County took a hit during the pandemic but has since rebounded.
Last week, Management Accountant Lisa Rien told County Commissioners the county’s keno game ended the fiscal year in pretty good shape, all things considered.
“This year, we’re at $4,493,000 for our total gambling,” said Rien. “The County’s share of that is about $450,000, but out of that, the royalties we paid out to Scottsbluff, Mitchell and Morrill is $126,000, and that comes out of that figure.”
The nearly $4.4 million wagered in the fiscal year ending in June was well over the $3.1 million played in the prior fiscal year, and about $100,000 under the figure from 2018.
Rien said the change was due likely to relaxation of pandemic-related restrictions, as well as federal stimulus money flowing into the hands of players.