Nebraska Online Sports Betting Measures Qualify for November Ballot

Nebraska voters will have the opportunity to decide the future of online sports betting after two related initiatives officially qualified for the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The Nebraska Secretary of State confirmed Aug. 21 that the Online Sports Wagering Authorization Constitutional Amendment and Online Sports Wagering Regulation Initiative each collected enough valid signatures. Both also satisfied the geographic requirement of signatures from at least 5% of registered voters in 38 of Nebraska’s 93 counties. The development moves Nebraska closer to potentially joining the majority of states offering some form of mobile sports wagering. Nebraska currently permits sports betting only in person at approved sportsbooks and kiosks within licensed racetrack enclosures. Online and mobile wagering remain prohibited.

What Nebraska Voters Will Decide

The first measure would amend Article III, Section 24 of the Nebraska Constitution to permit Internet sports wagering when the bettor is physically located within Nebraska. The provision builds on the constitutional framework voters approved in 2020 for casino gambling at licensed racetracks. The second initiative establishes the regulatory framework. Under the proposal, authorized gaming operators could offer Internet-based sports wagering themselves or through contracted platform providers. Wagering servers would have to be located in Nebraska, and an authorized gaming operator could conduct wagering through no more than two platforms at a time. If voters approve both measures, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission would be required to adopt regulations by June 1, 2027.

Tax Revenue and Property Tax Relief

Tax revenue has been a major selling point for Tax Relief Nebraska, the organization behind the initiatives. A study commissioned by the group estimated regulated online sports betting could generate just under $87 million in state tax revenue during its first five years. Under the proposal, 70% of generated revenues would be directed toward property tax relief, potentially producing about $61 million for that purpose over five years. Opponents have questioned whether that amount represents meaningful property tax relief and have raised concerns about expanding access to gambling. Supporters argue Nebraskans already use online sportsbooks in neighboring jurisdictions or other markets and that legalization would allow Nebraska to regulate wagering and retain associated tax revenue.

Which Sportsbooks Could Enter Nebraska?

Several of the largest U.S. sportsbook operators could be positioned to enter Nebraska if voters approve the measures and they ultimately satisfy state licensing requirements. The clearest candidates are FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM. Lynne McNally, director of government relations for WarHorse Casino, previously told the Nebraska Examiner that WarHorse had contracted with FanDuel, DraftKings and MGM for potential online sports betting operations. Other major operators such as Caesars Sportsbook and Fanatics Sportsbook could also view Nebraska as an expansion opportunity, although the cited Nebraska sources do not establish that either has secured a market-access agreement. The ultimate field would depend on casino/racetrack partnerships, regulations and licensing.

What Comes Next

The measures are scheduled to appear before voters on Nov. 3 absent successful legal action. The Secretary of State must certify statewide ballot issues by Sept. 11, and public hearings are also required in each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts. Approval would represent a significant expansion from Nebraska’s existing retail-only sports betting system. It could also make 2027 an important year for operators seeking access to one of the remaining U.S. states without legal mobile sportsbooks.