Key Moments:
- Nebraska advocates are pursuing a 2026 ballot referendum on online sports betting after legislative efforts stalled again in 2025.
- Proponents need to gather 125,786 valid signatures in 2025 to place the proposal on the ballot.
- Estimates indicate that regulated mobile sports betting could provide Nebraska with $32 million in tax revenue over two and a half years.
Push Toward the Ballot Box
With repeated setbacks in the Nebraska Senate, efforts to legalize online sports betting have shifted focus to a public vote slated for 2026. Casino operators and advocacy organizations are coordinating campaigns to empower residents to decide on mobile wagering, potentially bringing a regulated alternative to those who currently bet out-of-state or via unlicensed channels.
Legislative Hurdles Hamper Progress
Attempts to pass a mobile sports betting law failed to advance in the unicameral legislature in 2025 despite a rise in support. Senator Eliot Bostar’s LR20CA proposal, which would amend the constitution to permit mobile betting, cleared the committee 6–2, followed by preliminary floor approval with a 27–16 vote. However, Nebraska’s legislative system mandates three rounds of approval, each needing a two-thirds majority. Ultimately, opposition forces used a filibuster to prevent further movement.
Senator Bostar emphasized the importance of legislative oversight in regulating sports betting, expressing caution toward a process driven by petition. Senator John Cavanaugh voiced skepticism about expanding gambling but acknowledged the need for legislative participation.
Path to the Ballot: Petition Requirements
After legislative efforts hit a wall, advocates moved to bring the issue directly to Nebraska’s voters. To secure a position on the 2026 ballot, organizers must gather signatures from 10 percent of registered voters, totaling roughly 125,786 verified names. The campaign expects signature collection to commence in 2025.
WarHorse Gaming and the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association are leading the drive, with Lynne McNally of WarHorse Casinos underscoring concerns over lost tax revenue from Nebraskans gambling in neighboring states. McNally stated, “The bottom line is, you’re allowing tax money to go to Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, just like with the casinos. People are using VPNs, and they’re disguising their location, pretending they’re in Iowa.”
| Responsible Parties | Task | Threshold | Projected Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advocates & Casino Operators | Signature Collection | 125,786 valid signatures | 2025 |
| Nebraska Registered Voters | 2026 Ballot Decision | Simple Majority | November 2026 |
Arguments for Legalization
Supporters cite the prevalence of gambling in Nebraska as justification for legal online sports betting. Their analysis projects approximately $32 million in tax revenue from mobile betting over two and a half years, with plans to channel these funds toward property tax relief and other public programs. They point to the existing use of casino proceeds for community funding as a positive reference.
Opposition Concerns
Those opposing the expansion of betting raise concerns about increased risks of addiction, particularly among young males. Tom Osborne, a former coach and prominent critic, has warned that easier access could exacerbate financial and mental health issues. Governor Jim Pillen has yet to declare a formal position, but has demonstrated caution regarding expanded gambling options.
Current State and Outlook
Nebraska currently restricts sports wagers to in-person bets at approved casinos, imposing a 20 percent tax rate on those activities. This arrangement does not capture the funds spent on digital wagering in nearby states. Nebraska has yet to permit online betting, while other states have seen substantial tax inflows from digital operations. Should petitioners succeed in 2025, voters will decide the fate of online sports betting in November 2026, with the possibility of digital wagering launching by early 2027 if the measure is approved.
- Author
Daniel Williams
