As the US midterm elections approach, several significant ballot measures related to gambling are poised to impact various regions. Notably, Nebraska, Virginia, and Indiana are each considering different initiatives that could shape the landscape of their gaming industries.
In Nebraska, voters will decide on Initiatives 440 and 441, which are intended to work in tandem. Initiative 440 is a constitutional amendment that would enable the legislature to authorize online sports wagering connected to licensed racetracks. Meanwhile, Initiative 441 seeks to grant the Nebraska Gaming Commission the authority to develop regulations for online sports betting. The success of the proposed online betting system hinges on both measures passing.
This initiative will maintain the current racetrack-oriented model in Nebraska, allowing licensed tracks to partner with online sports betting operators such as BetMGM and DraftKings. The regulations would limit each operator to two online betting platforms and require that the servers for these platforms be based in Nebraska. Additionally, the proposals call for the gambling commission to establish rules by June 1, 2027, and they include responsible gambling measures, such as checks for outstanding state debt prior to payout of winnings.
Despite the support from major sportsbooks like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics, opposition remains strong. Les Bernal from Stop Predatory Gambling testified against legalization, citing increased addiction rates in states where gambling is legal and labeling it an “epic policy failure.” Opponents argue that legalizing online wagering could inadvertently increase total gambling participation, while proponents insist it would help law enforcement combat illegal gambling activities.
In Virginia, two local measures will be on the ballot in Pulaski and Amherst County. They seek to allow pari-mutuel wagering at satellite betting facilities under state law. A affirmative vote would eliminate local restrictions but would still require these facilities to obtain state licenses. Virginia mandates local voter approval for satellite sites to be authorized, and a similar proposal was rejected in Amherst in 2021, where the vote showed community resistance with a result of 7,293 to 6,189.
Pulaski will also give locals the opportunity to influence the establishment of a satellite facility, but even with approval, it won’t address questions of planning or operations.
In Indiana, voters in Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben counties will vote on the potential for new in-land casinos. Under legislation signed by Governor Mike Braun on March 4, 2026, a new casino license could be issued in one of the counties if local voters consent. The three counties are competing for a single license, and any successful developers would still need to apply to the Indiana Gaming Commission for a permit, with a decision expected by April 15, 2027.
Winning bidders would face a significant fee of $150 million and must commit to a $500 million investment within five years. The fiscal impact statement indicates that each casino could generate between $170 million and $230 million in annual adjusted gross receipts, marking a notable economic opportunity for the region.
