TLDR
- Supporters submitted about 350,000 signatures across two petitions to legalize online sports betting in Nebraska.
- Both petitions cleared the signature thresholds needed for ballot consideration.
- County officials must now verify the signatures before the Secretary of State certifies the measures.
- The plan would allow up to 10 online sportsbook platforms tied to the state’s five retail casinos.
- WarHorse Casinos and Sports Betting Alliance members, including DraftKings and FanDuel, back the campaign.
Nebraska voters may get to decide this November whether online sports betting becomes legal in the state.
Supporters of the measure submitted roughly 350,000 signatures across two separate petitions. That total is well above what state law requires.
A group called Tax Relief Nebraska led the signature drive. The group turned in more than 201,000 signatures for a constitutional amendment.
It also submitted about 146,000 signatures for a companion bill. That bill would set up the rules for running online sports betting.
The constitutional amendment needed roughly 126,000 valid signatures. The statutory measure needed about 88,000.
County election officials will check the signatures next. After that, Secretary of State Robert Evnen will decide if the measures qualify for the ballot.
Nebraska currently only allows sports betting in person. Bettors must visit one of the state’s licensed racetrack casinos to place a wager.
How the Proposal Would Work
The new rules would let each licensed casino partner with up to two online betting platforms. All mobile bets would run through servers based in Nebraska.
Nebraska has five licensed retail sportsbooks right now. That means the plan could open the door to as many as 10 online betting platforms statewide.
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission would need to write detailed regulations by June 1, 2027. If voters approve the measure, the law would take effect on January 1, 2027.
Tax revenue from online betting would mostly go toward property tax relief. The statutory plan sets that share at 70 percent, matching the rate already used for casino tax revenue.
State lawmakers tried to pass similar rules earlier this year through two bills. Neither bill made it through the legislative session.
That failure pushed supporters to try the ballot initiative process instead. Missouri used the same approach in 2024, and voters there approved it.
Who Is Behind the Campaign
WarHorse Casinos and the Sports Betting Alliance are funding the petition effort. Alliance members include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, and bet365.
A WarHorse government relations official said the campaign faced little pushback once circulators could explain how it differed from other petitions in circulation.
The campaign is now waiting on the verification process. WarHorse has said it plans to work with DraftKings and FanDuel if voters approve the measure.
Supporters say Nebraska is losing betting revenue to neighboring states. Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Wyoming already allow online sports betting.
Opponents raise concerns about problem gambling tied to mobile betting access. They also question whether new tax revenue would outweigh those social costs.
The signature verification process is now underway across Nebraska’s counties. A final decision on ballot placement is expected in the coming weeks.
