The effort to legalize online sports betting in Nebraska is gaining traction. Supporters are working on a petition to have the issue included on the 2026 ballot.
Their goal is to change the state constitution so that people can place sports bets online using their phones and other devices. This would eliminate the need to go to a casino in person or travel to another state. Let's explore the current situation and how this movement is developing.
The news comes on the heels of the latest revenue figures compiled by Nebraska casinos. They were very strong again last month.
History of Legal Sports Betting in Nebraska
Nebraska's history with sports betting has been cautious and gradual. In fact, until recently, sports betting was outright illegal in the state.
This began to change slowly after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal law in 2018 that had banned commercial sports betting in most states. States were then given the autonomy to decide whether to legalize sports betting within their borders, and many embraced the new opportunity.
Nebraska, however, took a more conservative approach.
It wasn't until late 2020, when state voters approved a series of initiatives to expand gambling, that legal sports betting in brick-and-mortar establishments came into the picture.
Since then, bets have only been permitted at a select few licensed in-person locations, such as WarHorse Casino in Omaha and Lincoln, Grand Island Casino Resort, and Harrah’s Columbus. All three contribute significantly to Nebraska's annual revenue.
Petition Drive Details
The current push for online sports betting is spearheaded by casino leaders, including Lynne McNally, CEO and Director of Government Relations at WarHorse Casinos.
They argue that the state is forfeiting substantial tax revenue—estimated at around $32 million annually—by not permitting online wagers. They recognize that casino revenue is strong and hope to piggyback off that success. The campaign requires organizers to collect signatures from 10% of registered Nebraska voters, roughly 125,000 valid endorsements, to make it to the 2026 ballot.
Past legislative efforts fell short, notably due to a filibuster in the Nebraska Senate in April 2025. However, supporters are optimistic as they begin gathering signatures, buoyed by a rising public interest in mobile sports betting and the financial benefits of additional state revenue.
Arguments For and Against Online Sports Betting in Nebraska
Supporters highlight that many Nebraska residents are already engaging in sports betting, often crossing borders to Iowa, Kansas, or Colorado, or betting online through VPNs.
This diversion of potential tax revenue is presented as a significant loss for the state, which could alternatively bolster critical areas like property tax relief.
Despite the drive's strong momentum, there are some dissenting voices.
Opponents of online sports betting express worries about the potential for increased addiction, especially among young men who might be more easily tempted by the convenience of mobile wagering. Others argue that the projected tax benefits might not materialize to the extent supporters claim, and that the social costs could outweigh the gains.
Next Steps for the Movement
If the petition succeeds, the proposed change to allow online sports betting will be on the November 2026 ballot for Nebraskans to vote on. If approved, Nebraska would join other states that have already made online sports betting legal.
The push to legalize online sports betting in Nebraska is picking up momentum. It's supported by people in the gaming industry, those looking at the potential tax benefits, and those unhappy with the current limitations. As interest grows, the focus will be on the petition and the vote that could change how betting works in the state.
