A significant step has been taken towards introducing online sports betting in Nebraska, as the campaign led by Tax Relief Nebraska has successfully filed two petitions that meet the state's required threshold for inclusion on the ballot this November. According to a report from Nebraska Public Media, these petitions aim to amend the state constitution to legalize online sports wagering, which is currently limited to retail betting at five brick-and-mortar casinos in Nebraska.
The petitions submitted reportedly exceed 201,000 signatures for the initiative aimed at bringing online betting to Nebraska, with an accompanying petition establishing a framework for online sports wagering garnering approximately 146,000 signatures. Both petitions were filed ahead of the July 3 deadline.
For the proposals to be included on the November ballot, they needed signatures from at least 10% of Nebraska’s registered voters, translating to roughly 125,000 signatures, out of more than 1.2 million total registered voters in the state. Although the petitions have met the required thresholds, they must pass through a series of steps before implementation:
1. The petitions are filed with the Secretary of State's office.
2. The office then verifies the signatures to ensure that they belong to registered voters.
3. After verification, the petitions are certified by totaling the valid signatures from all 93 counties.
4. Certification also addresses any remaining issues to confirm signature validity.
5. Finally, once certified, the measures will be placed on the general election ballot.
In advance of the general election, the Secretary of State can hold public hearings regarding the proposed legalization of online sports betting, and the full text of the measures must be published in all legal newspapers.
Should voters approve the initiative, Nebraska could potentially allow up to 10 sportsbooks, with casinos permitted to partner with two online betting platforms. Additionally, 70% of the resulting tax revenue would be allocated to property tax relief.
Attempts to legalize online sports betting in Nebraska have faced hurdles in the past. Last year, a proposal by Senator Eliot Bostar failed amid concerns about addiction and social issues raised by lawmakers.
The legalization of online sports betting would also mean that Nebraska could benefit economically from residents who currently cross state lines to place bets. A study by Betting Hero and GeoComply highlighted an area in Iowa where many Nebraskans travel to place online wagers. The study surveyed 51 individuals who made such trips for NFL betting, with the majority being males averaging 36 years old. Many cited the challenges of cashing out at Nebraska’s retail sportsbooks and the inconvenience of entering a casino as reasons for their out-of-state betting.
Major operators are backing this movement. FanDuel has donated over $3 million to Tax Relief Nebraska, with a recent contribution of $875,000 made on May 28. DraftKings’ DK Crown Holdings has also played a significant role, donating $3.5 million to the campaign in this election year, which includes another $875,000 in May 2026. In addition, Roar Digital, a partnership between MGM Resorts International and GVC Holdings, contributed $250,000, while FBG Enterprises, which runs Fanatics Betting and Gaming, donated $75,000.
