Nebraska lawmakers have given first-round approval to a bill that would let keno players run through more games in an hour.

Lawmakers voted 25-14 on Wednesday to advance the measure.

The bill by Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber would reduce the minimum waiting time between games from five minutes to three. Gambling opponents say the bill will disproportionately hurt the poor, but cities say revenue from the games has helped pay for police cruisers, park renovations and other substance-abuse treatment programs.

Profits from player losses are shared by local bar owners, cities and the state. The bill would generate an estimated $408,000 for the state's general fund in the budget year that begins on July 1.