Nebraska Online Sports Betting Initiative Nears November Ballot
Two petitions await verification before Nebraska voters can decide whether to legalize online sports betting this November.
Efforts in Nebraska to legalize online sports betting moved a step closer to the November ballot after supporters submitted approximately 350,000 signatures across two initiative petitions, comfortably exceeding the thresholds required for certification.
According to figures provided by the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office and reported by Nebraska Public Media, a group called Tax Relief Nebraska submitted more than 201,000 signatures for a proposed constitutional amendment authorizing online sports betting and another 146,000 signatures for companion legislation establishing the regulatory framework.
The signature totals are well above the required thresholds. The group needed approximately 126,000 valid signatures for the constitutional amendment and about 88,000 for the statutory initiative. County election officials will now verify the signatures. Then, Secretary of State Robert Evnen will determine whether the measures qualify for the November ballot.
Proposal Would Authorize up to 10 Online Platforms
The constitutional amendment would legalize online sports betting. Meanwhile, the companion legislation would establish the regulatory framework governing online sports betting in the state. Nebraska currently allows sports betting only in person at its licensed racetrack casinos.
Under the proposal, each authorized gaming operator could partner with up to two online sportsbook platforms, with all mobile bets processed through servers located in Nebraska. There are five licensed retail sportsbook operators currently in Nebraska, meaning the proposal would allow up to 10 online sports betting platforms.
The initiative directs the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission to adopt implementing regulations by June 1, 2027. If approved by voters, the law would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
The statutory initiative would direct 70% of online sports betting tax revenue toward property tax relief, matching the rate applied to casino tax revenue.
Lawmakers also considered expanding online sports betting through two carryover bills during this year’s legislative session, but neither advanced. That prompted supporters to pursue the ballot initiative route instead, similar to Missouri’s successful 2024 campaign.
Campaign Backed by Casinos and National Sportsbooks
The campaign is backed by WarHorse Casinos and the Sports Betting Alliance. Alliance members include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, and bet365.
According to Nebraska Public Media, WarHorse Director of Government Relations Lynne McNally said the campaign encountered little resistance once petition circulators could distinguish their proposal from the numerous other initiatives seeking signatures.
McNally noted that the campaign is now waiting for the verification process to be completed before the measures are certified for the ballot. If voters approve the initiatives, WarHorse has previously announced plans to work with DraftKings and FanDuel.
Supporters argue online sports betting would help Nebraska recapture wagering and tax revenue currently flowing to neighboring states. Five of Nebraska’s six bordering states (Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Wyoming) already offer online sports betting.
Opponents, meanwhile, argue that statewide mobile wagering would increase problem gambling and that the additional tax revenue would not outweigh the social costs.
Gambling Insider delivers the latest industry news, in-depth features, and operator reviews that you can trust. Our team combines rigorous editorial standards with decades of specialized expertise to ensure accuracy and fairness. We are committed to delivering clear, impartial, and dependable coverage across the global gambling sector.
