Nebraska election authorities are currently evaluating petitions that may allow online sports betting to be presented to the public in the 2026 general election. This follows Tax Relief Nebraska’s submission of approximately 350,000 signatures for two connected ballot proposals.
The initiative includes over 201,000 signatures for a constitutional change and 146,000 for a statutory amendment. The collected signatures for the amendment surpass the required 127,054, but the petitions still need validation before either proposal can be placed on the ballot for November 3.
Nebraska currently permits sports betting solely in person at licensed racetrack casinos. Retail betting has been operational since 2023, following the state’s legalization of sports betting via LB 561 in 2021. Online betting, however, remains illegal due to constitutional constraints.
The suggested constitutional amendment would allow licensed gaming operators and their approved platform vendors to provide online sports betting under the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act. If approved, online betting would be accessible to individuals aged 21 and older. Each casino could partner with up to two sportsbook providers, which would enable a maximum of 10 online sportsbooks across the state.
Nebraska mandates that constitutional amendment petitions collect valid signatures from at least 10% of registered voters by the July 3 deadline. Additionally, the campaign must also fulfill a geographic condition, securing valid signatures from at least 10% of registered voters in 38 out of the 93 counties. The associated statutory initiative requires 7% of voter signatures.
The statutory proposal aims to allocate 70% of online sports betting revenue to property tax credits, following a distribution method similar to that for casino taxes. This statute will be redundant unless the constitutional amendment receives voter approval.
Proponents contend that Nebraska is missing out on potential revenue with nearby states that have embraced online or mobile betting, such as Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Missouri. They further argue that the state’s retail-only betting system restricts access for rural communities, given Nebraska’s limited number of five casinos.
WarHorse Casinos has indicated intentions to collaborate with DraftKings and FanDuel, contingent upon voter approval of the proposed measures. Lynne McNally, WarHorse’s Head of Government Relations, stated that they are also in talks with BetMGM.
“We are hopeful that if we make it to the ballot in November, we can anticipate legalized mobile sports betting shortly thereafter,” McNally remarked.
According to the American Gaming Association, Nebraska’s in-person sports betting market generated approximately $9.3 million in 2025. Advocates believe that mobile betting could produce over $30 million annually in gaming tax revenue.
Opponents caution that online gambling could heighten the risks of gambling addiction and question if the additional tax revenue would counterbalance social costs. Advocates for responsible gambling are concerned about app-based access, marketing strategies, and in-game micro-bets, especially regarding younger adults.
This debate follows the launch of a statewide self-exclusion program by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission in collaboration with idPair last December, which broadened voluntary exclusion options within regulated venues.