*Editor Note: The state has passed sports betting bills and awaits the governor’s signature as of May 26, 2021. Check the article on Nebraska sports betting bill passage.
Nebraska laws currently forbids sports betting and other forms of wagering, but a Nebraska state senator has proposed changing existing language to make it an “authorized games of skill.”
Senator Justin Wayne introduced Bill LB 990 in January 2020 to change this classification. The bill introduces: “LB 990 will provide an exception in statutes concerning gambling for those operating authorized games of skill including sports betting, fantasy sports, and poker.”
If that bill gets any traction, it may allow lawmaker to work within existing laws to try to make legal Nebraska sports betting a reality. But this is a state that outlawed all gambling in its constitution until charities were permitted in the 1930s.
Is sports betting legal in Nebraska?
Editor Note: Soon, check status of state governor signature on a May 2021 bill. No and Nebraska sports wagering is unlikely to move quickly. However, there is some small movement as of 2020. Fingers crossed for Husker fans!
Where can I bet at Nebraska sportsbooks?
Nowhere legally at this time. Currently there are just four native casinos in the state, which may become a location of wagering in the future if current proposals make headway. They include:
Iron Horse Bar & Casino; Lucky 77 Casino; Native Star Casino; Ohiya Casino and Resort
There are also four horse racing operations in the state, which again could serve as future providers of sports betting. They include:
Columbus Exposition and Racing; Fonner Park in Grand Island; Horsemen’s Park in Omaha; Lincoln Race Course in Lincoln.
What about mobile sports betting apps in Nebraska?
Ditto above.