Supporters in Nebraska are mounting a campaign to place sports betting, including online sportsbooks, before voters in the 2026 general election.
They argue the current law, which allows wagers only at licensed gambling casinos, forces many residents to cross state lines or other means.
Nebraska Voters Take it to the Polls in 2026
Advocates have filed plans to propose a constitutional amendment that would permit Nebraskans to place wagers via online sportsbooks. Currently, state law taxes in-person casino bets at 20 percent, but online betting remains prohibited.
To reach the ballot, petitioners must collect certified signatures from at least 10 percent of registered voters – about 125,786 signatures given current rolls of roughly 1,257,860 voters.
If sports betting gets legalized, Nebraskans could place wagers on popular events like college football, NFL, and NBA games. Residents may also gain access to betting on MLB, NHL, and major tournaments such as March Madness. This expansion would give fans more options while keeping wagers within the state.
Advocates say Nebraska is losing out on millions in tax dollars. They point out that people are bypassing laws via VPNs or pretending they are in other states.
Industry projections suggest expanding betting to online sportsbooks might yield roughly $32 million in additional tax revenue over 2½ years.
Meanwhile, opponents raise concerns about social harms. They worry youth gambling, addiction, and insufficient regulatory guardrails might result if online sportsbooks become legal.
Some also question whether revenue gains would significantly lower property taxes or address other public needs.
Past attempts at Legalizing Sports Betting
Nebraska has tried before to legalize sportsbooks beyond casinos. In early 2025, State Senator Eliot Bostar introduced LR20CA, which sought to legalize online sportsbooks via legislative action.
That bill cleared a key committee and passed one floor vote, but multiple required votes and ultimately a filibuster blocked further progress.
Because legislators could not muster the two-thirds majority needed in Nebraska’s unicameral legislature, supporters now believe a ballot initiative is more viable.
If petitioners succeed in signature gathering, Nebraska residents will vote directly in 2026.
Given public interest, mounting legislative frustration, and experience in other states, many analysts view legalization through the ballot as increasingly likely in the coming years.
Nebraska’s movement toward legal online sportsbooks reflects a shift from legislative gridlock to direct democracy. As organizers ready petitions, the debate will likely intensify over balancing revenue benefits with social responsibility.