Neb. collects $200k in child support from gambling

LINCOLN – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has collected more than $200,000 from gambling winnings to go toward child support arrears just three months after implementing the program.

The Gambling Winnings Setoff for Outstanding Debt Act was approved through the passage of Legislative Bill 1317 in 2024.

“This program ensures funds are being used to help support kids across Nebraska,” said Gov. Jim Pillen. “Parents have an obligation to their children, and we’re guaranteeing their well-being by collecting these winnings.”

The act requires gaming operators to withhold a portion of winnings from individuals who have an unpaid debt with the state and remit the funds to the Department of Revenue (DOR).

From there, the collected funds are distributed to various agencies, including DOR, Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and DHHS. Within the first 13 weeks, $529,091.47 was dispersed to these agencies, with DHHS receiving $215,852.98 for the Child Support Enforcement Program.

“By administering these dollars directly to families, the Child Support Enforcement Program is setting our state’s children up for success,” said Shannon Grotrian, director of the Office of Economic Assistance. “It’s making an immediate impact on their livelihoods and making sure they have what they need to grow and thrive.”