Lincoln, Nebraska — In September 2025, Nebraska faces renewed momentum in the push to expand online sports betting beyond existing casino operations. While mobile wagering has been technically legal since 2021, betting services launched only in 2023 at physical locations such as WarHorse casino in Omaha and Lincoln, alongside Grand Island Casino Resort and Harrah’s Columbus.
Earlier this year, legislative efforts to broaden online access stalled due to a Senate filibuster in April 2025, prompting advocates to initiate a petition drive aiming to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot. The petition requires gathering signatures from 10% of registered voters, approximately 125,000 individuals, to qualify.
“Nebraska residents deserve the convenience of mobile betting alongside the state’s fiscal benefits,” stated Lynne McNally, CEO of WarHorse Casinos, urging robust public endorsement for the petition. “Neighboring states have captured revenue that could ease property taxes here. It’s crucial to adapt and retain that money locally.”
Currently, Nebraska permits sports wagers only at licensed physical premises as a result of the 2020 voter-approved gambling expansion initiatives. Expanding to mobile betting necessitates a state constitutional amendment to explicitly authorize online sports wagering. The prior legislative proposal LR20CA failed to secure the required 30 votes to proceed to the ballot in 2025. The petition strategy grants Nebraskans direct power to decide on integrating regulated online betting, consistent with the 2018 supreme court ruling that affirmed states’ rights to legalize commercial sports gambling.
Nebraska enters modestly the wave of sports betting.
Proponents argue the online sportsbook expansion could generate up to $32 million annually in currently lost tax revenue flowing to neighboring Iowa, Kansas, and Colorado, or offshore operators. Capturing these funds could strengthen state finances, notably aiding property tax relief—a significant concern for Nebraska homeowners. Conversely, opponents highlight potential social costs, emphasizing risks of increased gambling addiction, particularly among younger users attracted by mobile platform accessibility.
Nebraska sports betting measure stalls as lawmakers fall short of support
This unfolding regulatory debate marks a pivotal crossroads for Nebraska: will the embrace of digital sports wagering unlock new economic opportunities, or deepen the state’s social challenges?
