Nebraska Earns Vote on Legalizing Online Sportsbooks

Petitions really do work, as Nebraska voters have earned the right to decide the future of legalized online sports betting.

Tax Relief Nebraska started acquiring signatures on a vote last fall. However, the pressure group now has the required number of votes to trigger a vote on regulation.

If successful, the November vote could pave the way for a constitutional amendment on online sportsbooks.

Signatures Hit Target by July Deadline

The Secretary of State’s office announced on Friday that both thresholds had been reached for an amendment to the current law.

The Online Sports Wagering Authorization Constitutional Amendment petition had at least 138,473 valid signatures. That met the 110% threshold required.

The Nebraska Secretary of State’s office will now hold public hearings on how to proceed.

Speaking to the Nebraska Examiner, Jordan McGrain expressed his gratitude to participants, saying he believed “voters will agree that a legal and regulated online sports wagering marketplace will keep the money in Nebraska.” He added that revenues will help “local communities”.

How We Got Here: Nebraska’s Sports Betting Journey

• May 2021: Nebraska legalizes sports betting at licensed racetracks only. You must be 21 or over to place sports bets.
• 2024: Measures to introduce mobile sports betting fail.
• November 2025: Petitions sent out asking for a vote on change. The move is supported by BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics.
• July 2026: July 3 deadline is reached to acquire petition votes.
• September 2026: Secretary of State must certify the 2026 ballot by 11 September.
• November 2026: Ballot scheduled to vote on online sports betting legislation.

Framework Targets Include up to 10 Online Sportsbooks

Nebraska already has land-based sports betting via its racinos. Under the amendment, each would have the chance to operate up to two online sportsbooks.

• Operators must submit controls to the Racing and Gaming Commission for approval
• Each of Nebraska’s five racinos can have two online betting partners
• The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission to regulated online sportsbooks
• Commission would have until June 1, 2027 to implement new rules
• Any sports betting winnings will be checked against state debt collection database

WarHorse Casino Ahead of the Game

According to the Nebraska Family Alliance’s Lynne McNally, WarHorse Casino is already in discussions with potential online sports betting partners. These include FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings.

Nebraska has been behind the game in legalizing sports betting compared to its nearest neighbors.

Colorado legalized online sportsbooks in 2019, while Kansas went legal three years later. Even Wyoming has some legal mobile betting without having existing retail sportsbooks.