Nebraska Online Sports Betting Campaign Says It Has Enough Signatures for Ballot Measure

The campaign to expand sports betting from Nebraska’s five racetrack casinos to the internet says it has secured enough signatures from the public to place the matter before voters in November.

Tax Relief Nebraska has submitted more than 201,000 signatures in support of a constitutional ballot referendum to allow Nebraskans to decide whether to amend the state’s legal framework to allow sports betting online.

To place a constituent-initiated constitutional amendment before voters, Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen’s office must certify approximately 127,000 of the petitions submitted by Tax Relief Nebraska.

Tax Relief Nebraska said it delivered its signature boxes to Evnen on June 26, ahead of the July 3 submission deadline.

Sportsbooks Take Matters Into Their Own Hands

Nebraska legalized retail sports betting in 2020 through legislation that authorized slot machines and table games at the state’s licensed horse racetracks. The in-person sports wagering requirement was designed to force bettors to visit a physical casino, where they might also play casino games and bet on the races.

The ban on online sports betting has greatly limited Nebraska’s tax revenue from expanded gambling, as many bettors have simply continued to travel to a neighboring state where online sports betting is regulated. Many have also opted to use offshore online sportsbooks, local bookies, or sports prediction markets.

After lawmakers for several legislative sessions failed to pass a bill to initiate an online sports betting referendum, sportsbook leaders DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Fanatics united to fund Tax Relief Nebraska with more than $7 million.

The sports betting interests have the support of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, which owns and operates WarHorse Gaming Lincoln and WarHorse Casino Omaha, the two casinos dominating Nebraska’s gaming industry.

Tax Relief Nebraska proposes allowing online sports betting and dedicating 70% of the state tax revenue received to property tax relief, similarly to how casino taxes are allocated.

If enough signatures are certified and the amendment goes before voters, the question would need a simple majority (50%+) to pass.

Opposition Arises

Nebraska’s push for online sports betting is being opposed by the Nebraska Family Alliance, a nonprofit that advocates for conservative values and advancing “family, freedom, and life.”

“To tell voters this is about tax relief, when the proposal is actually a major expansion of online gambling financed by out-of-state gambling companies, is a complete sham and raises serious questions about election integrity,” said Nate Grasz, executive director of the Nebraska Family Alliance.

Tax Relief Nebraska argues that online sports betting would generate almost $87 million in additional state tax revenue within five years of launch.

Through April, retail sports betting has generated gross revenue of less than $4 million.