Nebraska Could Vote On Mobile Sports Betting This November

Nebraska might be one of the most underrated sports-loving states. Underrated because most would think of places like New York or Texas over a “flyover state” like Nebraska.

But the reality is, Nebraska can hang with those states on a per-capita basis. It might not have the largest population, but locals love their Cornhuskers football. It’s not uncommon for Memorial Stadium to hit its 85,000 capacity when the Huskies are somewhat formidable.

We say that because despite this widespread enthusiasm, sports betting in Nebraska is pretty tame. Not because locals don’t want to partake, but more because it’s not easy to do so.

You see, Nebraska laws say all sports betting has to be done in-person only. Top mobile sports betting apps aren’t allowed inside state borders. That rule alone puts a lid on the legalized sports betting industry.

Why? Because bettors, by and large, want to bet from their phone, anywhere and everywhere. Having to drive to a casino (with these gas prices!) to place a bet means most will either opt out completely or bet through other online means, like popular offshore sportsbooks or prediction markets.

But that might be changing sooner rather than later. There’s a huge initiative to get mobile sports betting on voters’ ballots this coming November, and it looks to be on track. Stick with us as we explain the exciting new details happening in Nebraska right now.

Signatures Put Nebraska Sports Betting Close To A Vote

How does an issue even end up in the midterm ballot questionnaire? Welp, one way to end up there is to get enough signatures from voters asking for it.

That’s where we find ourselves here. Tax Relief Nebraska (the organization behind this whole push) just turned in more than 350,000 signatures to the state government. These signatures are spread across two different petitions. One petition would change the state constitution to allow online sports betting, while the other would create the tax and regulatory structure needed to make it work.

Nebraska Public Media reported the campaign needed roughly 126,000 signatures for the constitutional amendment and about 88,000 for the other petition. So the organization way overachieved here, but that’s good practice. All signatures are counted and verified by the Secretary of State’s Office. And of course, you want breathing room in case some signatures out struck down.

Property Tax Relief Is The Big Selling Point

So how the heck did Tax Relief Nebraska overshoot on signatures this much? The clue is in the organization’s name.

You see, the way this expansion is being framed is more than just more betting. That might not fly with a population that’s very much conservative. But what about lessening the amount of property tax you pay? Now that’s a better sales pitch, and it’s exactly what’s being presented.

Of the tax money collected from online sports betting, it’s being said that 70 percent would go to property tax relief. That mirrors how Nebraska already handles casino tax revenue, so it’s completely believable for voters.

Nebraska Public Media reported supporters have estimated online sports betting could bring in more than $30 million in annual gaming taxes. Is that life-changing money for the state government? Well, no, but it is also not nothing eitheer. Especially when the current retail-only market is producing far less. Nebraska’s racetrack casinos generated about $9.3 million in sports betting revenue last year, resulting in less than $2 million in tax revenue.

We mean, that’s peanuts. A huge metro, think New York City sports betting, can make that in a matter of hours. Yes, population size matters, but so does accessibility to betting. Nebraska can’t change its population, but it can control the latter.

WarHorse And Big Sportsbooks Are Behind The Push

This is not a grassroots campaign in the traditional sense. The public-facing name is Tax Relief Nebraska, but the push is being led by WarHorse, the Nebraska racetrack and casino operator, alongside online sportsbook operators and local investors.

That part matters because it tells you what is really at stake in all this. WarHorse already has a strong position as Nebraska’s premier casino operator. But if mobile betting is approved, WarHorse can use that market strength to really own mobile betting — more so than its less-pocketed competitors, too.

At the same time, DraftKings and FanDuel have also put serious money behind the campaign. It’s being reported that both operators contributed more than $1 million to the ballot effort. They, of course, want a new state to market to and increase their own bottom line.

If you’re wondering, “is it always about the money?” The answer is a resounding yes.

What Happens Next?

The signatures still need to be verified by the state. Nothing is official until the state says, thus, it’s best to hold your horses for now.

But let’s assume the signatures are verified and all requirements are met. What then? Welp, it’ll officially be up for a vote in November, both measures. This is where the voting body can approve or deny it.

So no, Nebraska mobile sports betting is not here yet. But it is closer than ever. The legislature could not get it done, so now the industry is trying to take the question straight to the people.