The gaming markets of Tennessee and Nebraska maintained strong momentum in May 2026, highlighting the continued expansion of regional gaming activity across the United States. While Tennessee's online sports betting sector generated nearly US$443 million in wagers, Nebraska's land-based casino industry reached US$27.1 million in revenue, driven by new casino developments and growing demand for slots and table games.
In Tennessee, the market is regulated by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council (SWC), led by Executive Director Mary Beth Thomas. The state reported US$443.0 million in sports betting handle during May, generating US$40.98 million in adjusted gross revenue (AGR) and producing approximately US$8.2 million in tax revenue. Tennessee remains the only U.S. jurisdiction operating a fully online sports betting market without commercial casinos, retail sportsbooks, online casinos, poker rooms, or slot machine gaming.
Mary Beth Thomas
Licensed operators include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet, Bally Bet, Betly, Action 24/7, ZenSports, VIP Play, and theScore Bet. The state's betting activity produced a 9.25% hold rate, reinforcing Tennessee's position as one of the largest online-only wagering markets in the country.
In Nebraska, oversight falls under the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, led by Executive Director Casey Ricketts. The state reported US$27.1 million in casino revenue during May, representing 11.9% year-over-year growth.
Casey Ricketts
Slot machines accounted for US$23.5 million, table games generated US$2.4 million, electronic table games produced US$672,155, and retail sports betting contributed US$523,246.
The state's top-performing property was WarHorse Casino Omaha, which generated US$9.9 million, followed by WarHorse Casino Lincoln with US$8.1 million and Grand Island Casino Resort with US$5.6 million. Additional contributions came from Harrah’s Columbus Racing & Casino, which reported US$2.3 million, and Lake Mac Casino Resort, which generated US$1.2 million after opening in August 2025.
The latest figures demonstrate how two very different regulatory models; Tennessee's fully digital sports betting framework and Nebraska's rapidly expanding land-based casino sector, continue generating tax revenue, investment, and gaming growth across the U.S. regional market in 2026.
