Nebraska Gaming Board Spent $30K on Semi-Automatic Weapons

Nebraska Gaming Commission spends $30,000 on semi-automatic weapons

The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission (NRGC) spent $30,351 on semi-automatic rifles for its 10 investigators, the Lincoln Star-Telegram reported.

The acquisition caused a stir in Lincoln, the state capital. Some lawmakers have questioned whether fully equipped SIG Sauer MPX rifles equipped with laser sights are necessary for the agency responsible for enforcing gambling regulations in the state's new casino industry.

Additional revelations that the weapons were purchased ahead of the agency's purchase of new vehicles for its "expanded team" may have further upset Lincoln politicians. The agency currently only has two vehicles, The Journal Star reported.

Until the advent of casinos in 2022, the NRGC is solely focused on regulating horse racing and has only one investigator. Now its ranks have grown tenfold.

"Active Shooter Threat"

NRGC investigator Steve Eppens was forced to defend the purchase to the Journal Star this week. If a shooting occurs at a casino or racetrack, NRGC agents "have a responsibility to intervene and neutralize the threat," he said.

"We're in this profession to protect the public. That's what we do," he added.

A shoulder-fired rifle like the SIG MPX is more accurate than a handgun in emergencies like this and can minimize the risk to innocent bystanders, Epens told The Star.

Eppens, meanwhile, stressed that under state law, all NRGC investigators are considered deputy state peace officers and have the authority to make arrests.

Attempt Aborted

As questions surfaced at the state Capitol, records show Eppens tried to rescind the order.

I have just received instructions from my supervisor that we must immediately suspend orders for SIG MPX," he wrote to the supplier in November."Some political issues have arisen regarding the purchase of the equipment and its deployment.

"We hope to resolve this issue as soon as possible and reconsider the ordering of these rifles as they are very important pieces of equipment to protect the safety of the public and police officers," he wrote.

But it was too late. The supplier cannot cancel the order because the gun is custom-made and work has already begun.