ABOUT

WHO WE ARE

Gambling With The Good Life (GWGL) formed as a grassroots citizen-action organization in 1995 to oppose gambling expansion in Nebraska. GWGL encompasses a coalition of individuals, businesses, political leaders, media and religious groups in their efforts to stand up against the predatory gambling industry.

GWGL sees casino gambling, slot machines and expanded gambling as a negative influence on Nebraska citizens, families, communities, businesses, local economies and public policy decision making.

Gambling devastates the poor with a false hope of quick and easy riches. Gambling cannibalizes local economies, costing jobs and economic growth. Gambling corrupts government decision-making, claiming big revenues while ignoring bigger costs.

Gambling with the Good Life stands up to fight the predatory gambling industry and welcomes all fellow Nebraskans who share our concern to join us in this courageous battle.

If the Good Life of Nebraska is to be preserved for our children and grandchildren, now is the time to act.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ray Absher – Grand Island

Keith Becker – Kearney

Lauren Ekdahl – Scottsbluff

Dan Hazuka – Omaha

Jonathan Krutz – Idaho

Pat Loontjer – Omaha

Nancy Osborne – Lincoln

Dave Wimmer – West Point

GRASSROOTS GRANDMA

Pat Loontjer has been nicknamed the “Grassroots Grandma.” She was a homemaker and mother of five when the predator known as “Casino Gambling” attempted to invade Nebraska in 1995. She quickly organized a dynamic group of concerned citizens from all walks of life who, despite tremendous odds, defeated the gambling industry four times in 1996. This victory kept casino gambling from encroaching the Ak-Sar-Ben community, which has since become a thriving economic, educational and cultural center in Omaha. Since that time Gambling with the Good Life has successfully fought off the out-of-state gambling interests dozens of times in the Legislature and courts and at the ballot box. Through the help of prominent Nebraskans such as Tom Osborne, Warren Buffett and Pete Rickets, all religious denominations, political leadership and business support, Pat has mobilized the largest coalition ever formed in the state. Pat has been active in church and civic affairs for most of her life. She has served on the Board of Directors for Good News Jail & Prison Ministry and Pro America and was active with Release Ministry, which works with youth in the juvenile detention centers. In 1986, Pat was named Nebraska Homemaker of the Year by Eagle Forum. Pat works in sales and public relations and has thirteen beautiful grandchildren. They all live in Nebraska, whose future “Good Life” she seeks to protect.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Tom Ashby – Omaha

Bob & Debbie Blank – Omaha

Mark Bonkiewicz – Omaha

Hal Daub – Omaha

Deborah Denenberg – Omaha

John Dittman – Lincoln

Candace Gregory – Omaha

Terry Haney – Omaha

Jim Jensen – Omaha

Joel & Terri Lamplot – Thurston

Jay Dunlap – Lincoln

Lori Fairchild – Lincoln

FINANCE COMMITTEE