As Nebraska is wrestling with the issue of whether to legalize online sports gambling, some lawmakers have taken a firm “no” stance, seeking to block two ballot measures that could potentially shift the regulatory makeup of the Cornhusker State.
Nebraskans Lock Horns Over Legalization of Online Sports Betting
The initiative, called Save Nebraska Sports, is backed by State Auditor Mike Foley and Treasurer Joey Spellerberg, and is looking to hinder ongoing efforts to establish an iGaming framework that specifically allows online sports betting to take root in the state.
Save Nebraska Sports is clashing with Tax Relief Nebraska, which is looking to plug holes in the state’s budget by mustering additional tax revenue from sports betting. According to the group, this is a way to deal with a more immediate problem, bringing revenue for local communities and millions of dollars in property tax relief.
However, Foley has already called out this argument as false, and he further articulated that companies such as FanDuel and DraftKings would be pocketing the bulk of the money, while the state is left over with “pennies.”
Based on the current timeline, should Nebraskans vote for the ballot measures, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission would then have until June 1, 2027, to present the rules that will establish a regulated sports betting framework that allows online wagers to be placed.
The issue is currently on the daily agenda, as major sportsbooks have already spent more than $7 million trying to secure signatures and put the ballot measures on the November 3, 2026 referendum, which is happening.
Issue to Be Decided on the November 3 Ballot
But what exactly would a potential Nebraskan online sports betting market look like?
Nebraska is set to get up to 12 statewide mobile sportsbooks, with two licenses tethered to each of the state’s six gaming venues in the state. There would be no obligation to have all 12 licenses up and running.
As to who may be entering, DraftKings and FanDuel are certainly going to participate, as they have helped with the signature-gathering initiative, as did Fanatics and BetMGM. These four companies see the value in expanding the regulated sports betting framework in the United States.
Other potential entrants may include theScore Bet and Bet365, both of which have been gaining ground in the country at their own pace.
As Nebraska is wrestling with the issue of whether to legalize online sports gambling, some lawmakers have taken a firm “no” stance, seeking to block two ballot measures that could potentially shift the regulatory makeup of the Cornhusker State. Nebraskans Lock Horns Over Legalization of Online Sports Betting The initiative, called Save Nebraska Sports, is