Nebraska Sports Betting

Nebraska Sports Betting Timeline

In May 2018, the US Supreme Court overturned a 27-year-old law that prevented individual states from offering legal sports betting. While many states reacted by drafting new sports betting bills, Nebraska was not one of them.

Neighboring states such as South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri have all started the legislative process to legalize sports betting. This is a worry for those in Nebraska, who fear losing millions in revenue to adjacent states with more relaxed betting laws.

As more states start to regulate sports betting and eliminate illegal activities, lawmakers in Nebraska might be inclined to look again at their current stance. It is clear that the USA as a whole is moving towards being a sports betting-friendly nation.

Nebraska Betting History

In 1875, the Nebraska Constitution prohibited all forms of gambling, including lotteries. To this day, all gambling remains illegal unless authorized by amendments to the constitution. Any amendments that are passed by legislation, convention or public vote may then be put into law.

As in many states, pari-mutuel wagering on horse races was the first form of gambling to be legalized via a constitutional amendment in Nebraska. The amendment was passed in 1934 following voter approval.

Another amendment to allow charitable gaming such as bingo was passed in 1958 and this was extended to lotteries, raffles and gift enterprises 10 years later. In 1988, the constitution was amended again to permit wagering on simulcast horse racing at licensed race tracks. And in 1992, a further amendment saw the launch of the Nebraska state lottery.

So far, no proposals have been introduced to allow casino or sports betting in the state with the exception of limited tribal gaming. In order to legalize sports betting, further constitutional amendments would need to be passed. However, history has shown that such amendments can be successful in the state. 

Is sports betting legal in Nebraska?

Sports betting is still outlawed in Nebraska and looks set to remain illegal for the foreseeable future.

Who controls sports betting in Nebraska?

With no legal sport betting in the state, there is no organization currently in control of operations.

What is the legal age to bet on sports in Nebraska?

It is illegal for players of any age to place a sports wager in Nebraska.

Where can I bet on sports in Nebraska?

Currently, you cannot place a legal sports wager anywhere within the state borders of Nebraska.

Who are the current operators/licensees in Nebraska?

Sports betting is illegal, so no sports betting licenses have been issued in Nebraska. Currently, there are no plans to legalize sports betting in the near future.

Which operators currently offer legal sports betting in Nebraska?

There are no operators offering legal sports wagering in Nebraska and there are no proposals in place to facilitate sports betting.

Is mobile and app sports betting available in Nebraska?

All forms of sports betting are illegal in Nebraska. Therefore, wagering by mobile application is not available.

How much is sports betting worth in Nebraska?

It has been estimated in a report done by Global Market Advisors that Nebraska could earn up to $47 million in sports betting revenue a year from a total handle of $726 million.

What is the tax rate for Nebraska sports betting?

No sports betting bills have been proposed at this time, so no details of any tax rates have been released. The estimated worth of $47 million mentioned above is based on the assumption that a tax rate of at least 6.5% will be applied.