- A Nebraska online sports betting bill has been approved during its first Senate vote
- The bill needs to be approved during two more votes before being sent to the governor
- Nebraska voters will have the final say on sports betting during the 2026 general election if signed into law
Nebraska sports betting today took a big step forward in the Senate, receiving the first of three necessary approvals before being sent to the governor and signed into law.
The Nebraska Senate today approved Sen. Eliot Bostar’s (D-29) legislation, LR20CA, by a 27-16 vote. It was the first of a potential three votes for the legislation, which calls for the legalization of online sports betting through a constitutional amendment.
If approved by the Nebraska Senate, state voters will decide its fate in the form of a ballot question during the November 2026 general election.
Still Long Ways to Go
The vote is the first of a potential three votes before being sent to Gov. Jim Pillen (R) for his signature.
Bostar’s legislation amends 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.
While his legislation provides a triggering method for legalization, Sen. Stan Clouse’s (R-37) bill, LB 421, provides the framework for online sports betting in the Cornhusker State. His bill allows each of the six Nebraska casinos to partner with up to one online sports betting operator and calls for the State Racing and Gaming Commission to regulate the new form of gaming.
His legislation also removes the current prohibition on sports betting for in-state colleges.
Retail sports betting is currently legal in the state and is taxed at a rate of 20%.
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Casinos Eyeing 2026 Voter Referndum?
Bostar noted in previous discussions that the casino industry in Nebraska is considering proposing its own voters referendum in 2026 to legalize online sports betting. This would be similar to the way Missouri legalized sports betting, as its sports franchises pushed their own voting referendum through the Show-Me State in 2024.
By doing this now, Nebraska lawmakers would have more of a say as to how online sports betting is potentially legalized.
Sen. John Cavanaugh (D-9) said at a previous hearing that sports betting legalization gives him a considerable amount of “heartburn,” but the legislature should have control over what is placed on a ballot rather than Nebraska casinos.
Nebraska Online Sports Betting Receives Initial Approval, Two More Votes Required
In a significant development for sports betting enthusiasts in Nebraska, online sports betting has received initial approval from state lawmakers. The proposal, which would allow for online sports betting in the state, passed its first hurdle in the Nebraska Legislature with a vote of 25-17.
This marks a major step forward for proponents of online sports betting in Nebraska, who have been pushing for the legalization of this popular form of gambling for some time. If the proposal ultimately passes, it would allow for online sports betting to be conducted through licensed operators in the state.
However, while this initial approval is certainly a positive sign for supporters of online sports betting in Nebraska, there are still two more votes required before the proposal can become law. The next step in the process will be for the proposal to be debated and voted on by the full Legislature.
If the proposal ultimately receives the necessary votes, Nebraska residents could soon have access to a wide range of online sports betting options. This would include the ability to place bets on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and more.
Proponents of online sports betting in Nebraska argue that legalizing this form of gambling would bring much-needed revenue to the state, as well as provide an opportunity for consumers to engage in a popular and enjoyable pastime. They also point to the fact that neighboring states such as Iowa and Colorado have already legalized online sports betting, making it easy for Nebraska residents to travel across state lines to place bets.
Opponents of online sports betting, on the other hand, raise concerns about the potential negative impacts of gambling on society, including addiction and financial hardship. They argue that legalizing online sports betting could exacerbate these issues and lead to an increase in problem gambling.
As the debate over online sports betting in Nebraska continues, it remains to be seen whether the proposal will ultimately receive the necessary votes to become law. In the meantime, sports betting enthusiasts in the state will be eagerly watching and waiting to see how this issue unfolds.