About Us
One Determined Nebraskan Against a Billion-Dollar Industry
Gambling With The Good Life was founded on a simple conviction: Nebraska families deserve to know the truth about predatory gambling — and someone has to be willing to say it out loud.
Meet Our Founder
Pat Loontjer
Founder & Executive Director
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 out-of-state gambling interests dozens of times in the Legislature, in the courts, and at the ballot box.
Through the help of prominent Nebraskans such as Tom Osborne, Warren Buffett and Pete Ricketts, 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. In 1986, Pat was named Nebraska Homemaker of the Year by Eagle Forum. She has thirteen beautiful grandchildren — all living in Nebraska, whose future "Good Life" she seeks to protect.
"This isn't about being anti-fun. It's about protecting Nebraska families from an industry that profits from addiction and suffering. I've seen what this does to families. I'm not going to stop talking about it."
Our Mission
Why We Fight
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.
Truth-Telling
We follow the peer-reviewed science and report it plainly, without spin. The gambling industry has a massive PR machine. We counter it with facts.
Family First
Every policy position we take is grounded in its impact on Nebraska families — not on industry revenue projections or tax receipts.
Grassroots Power
We are a people-powered organization. Our strength comes from Nebraskans who have seen the damage firsthand and refuse to stay quiet.
Nonpartisan
Gambling addiction doesn't care about party affiliation. Neither do we. We work with anyone — Republican or Democrat — who is willing to put families first.
Our History
The Fight in Nebraska
Gambling With The Good Life forms as a grassroots citizen-action organization to oppose casino gambling expansion in Nebraska. Pat Loontjer organizes concerned citizens from all walks of life.
GWGL defeats the gambling industry four times at the ballot box, keeping casino gambling out of the Ak-Sar-Ben community — which has since become a thriving economic, educational and cultural center in Omaha.
GWGL celebrates its 20th anniversary. Pat Loontjer receives a proclamation recognizing decades of service protecting Nebraska families from predatory gambling.
Nebraska voters approve Initiative 429, legalizing casino gambling at licensed horse racing tracks. Pat Loontjer and GWGL lead the opposition campaign alongside Tom Osborne, Governor Pete Ricketts, faith leaders, and a broad business coalition.
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission begins licensing casinos. Problem gambling helpline calls begin to climb. GWGL begins documenting the human cost and continues advocacy in the Unicameral.
The Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling reports a 40% increase in helpline calls. GWGL testifies before the Unicameral on the need for mandatory treatment funding and consumer protections.
GWGL continues advocating for LB 1024 and other consumer protection measures as the gambling industry lobbies aggressively against oversight. The fight continues.
Our Leadership
Board of Directors
GWGL is led by a dedicated volunteer board of Nebraskans committed to protecting families from predatory gambling.
Al Riskowski
Chairman
Martel
Pat Loontjer
President
Omaha
Keith Becker
Vice President
Kearney
Nate Grasz
Board Member
Lincoln
Jonathan Krutz
Board Member
Idaho
Nancy Osborne
Board Member
Lincoln
Get in Touch
We Want to Hear From You
Whether you're a family affected by problem gambling, a researcher, a journalist, or a policymaker — we want to hear from you. Pat personally reads every message.
Lincoln, Nebraska