- Lawmakers considering a repeal of prohibition on in-state college sports betting
- Nebraska only allows sports betting in brick-and-mortar casinos
- Lawmakers considered an online sports betting expansion in 2024
Nebraska sports bettors may soon be able to wager on their beloved Cornhuskers.
Sen. Tom Brandt (R-32) yesterday introduced LB 63, a bill to repeal the prohibition on in-state college sports betting. If approved, the bill would allow sports betting customers to place wagers on the University of Nebraska sports programs.
Currently, Nebraska only allows sports betting in brick-and-mortar casinos. Online sports betting is not legal.
No In-State Cornhusker Sports Betting
If the prohibition on in-state college sports betting is repealed, Nebraska would see an instant expansion of its sports betting markets. Nebraska has no professional sports teams of its own, but has a fervent college sports scene.
Nebraska sports bettors would likely be more than excited for an opportunity to bet on the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers or Creighton Bluejays.
The bill simply repeals the prohibition from the state’s sports betting bill. Sports betting was approved in the state in 2021, following a voter mandate approval in 2020.
Online Sports Betting Likely Being Considered in 2025
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) reported last that he would be preparing a priority bill to legalize online sports betting in the state for 2025. Fiscal estimates, he said, show Nebraska loses out on $32 million in tax revenue annually without legalized online sports betting.
Pillen has yet to introduce the bill, but the state’s 2025 legislative session runs through June.
Lawmakers actually considered an online sports betting expansion in 2024. Sen. Eliot Bostar (D-29) successfully moved a constitutional amendment to legalize online sports betting out of committee during a special 2024 session to find solutions to reduce the state’s high property tax rates. While Bolstar did move the legislative package out of committee, it faced an uphill battle and likely would have had little impact on property tax relief if approved.
Bostar introduced his legislative package to the General Affairs committee last August. Bostar’s legislation amended the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act to allow casinos to offer online sports betting, dedicating the majority of online sports betting tax revenues to property tax relief for state residents.
The proposed legislation dedicated 90% of online sports betting tax revenue to the Property Tax Credit Cash fund, which provides property tax relief for Nebraskans.
Currently, in-person sports betting is taxed at a rate of 20% of gross sports betting revenue and dedicates 70% of tax revenue to the property tax fund.
Despite part of his package being approved in committee, it was never discussed on the senate floor. Additionally, several Nebraska senators spoke out against the legislation.
Nebraska lawmakers are currently considering the repeal of a ban on in-state college sports betting, a move that could have significant implications for the state’s gambling industry. The ban, which has been in place since 1992, prohibits betting on college sports teams based in Nebraska or games taking place within the state.
Proponents of the repeal argue that lifting the ban would bring much-needed revenue to the state and help regulate an activity that is already taking place illegally. They point to the success of neighboring states like Iowa and Colorado, which have legalized sports betting and seen a boost in tax revenue as a result.
Opponents, however, are concerned about the potential negative effects of legalizing sports betting, particularly on college athletes. They argue that allowing bets on college games could lead to corruption and undermine the integrity of amateur sports.
The debate over the repeal of the ban is likely to continue in the coming months as lawmakers weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of legalizing in-state college sports betting. Ultimately, the decision will have far-reaching implications for Nebraska’s gambling industry and the future of sports betting in the state.
