Here’s Why Nebraska Online Sports Betting Matters

The subject of Nebraska online sports betting legalization continues to be a divisive issue among those in The Cornhusker State. Opposition and support are each evident in droves, and they come from both sides of the political aisle. It has at times felt like common ground would never be reached.

Arguments on either side of the fence are pretty compelling. Opponents of online sports betting in Nebraska point out that retail wagering only launched in 2023—fewer than three years ago. They also argue the downsides far outweigh the potential benefits. Their main qualm is that Nebraska online sports betting would almost surely lead to an uptick in problem gambling, particularly among younger demographics.

Still, this hasn’t stopped Senators Eliot Bostar from proposing legislation that legalizes online sports betting in The Cornhusker state. The most recent attempt comes in the form of Legislative Resolution 20CA (LR 20CA). Though it stalled out during this year’s round of legislature sessions, it generated plenty of support and is expected to remain front and center when policymakers return for the batch of discussions.

As ever, supporters emphasize the financial benefits of legal online sports betting in the United States. And while most will not deny there are real issues that come with it, they are quick to acknowledge that banning mobile sports betting in Nebraska doesn’t actually stop it. Senator Dunixi Guereca, a freshman from the Omaha district, is at the forefront of this argument. Earlier this year, according to the Nebraska Examiner's Zach Wendling, he said that “from his front porch, he can see people going over a bridge to Iowa, pulling off into a gravel lot and placing bets.” Senator Guereca added: “I don’t want you to like sports betting, but I would hope that you would find an offense in us giving our money away to Iowa.”

Pinpointing how much Nebraska forfeits to Iowa sports betting is impossible. Conservative estimates have millions of dollars being spent in The Hawkeye State by Nebraskans. And if you ask Senator Guereca, this is why legalizing online wagering in The Cornhusker State. However, there’s also apparently another reason.

Another Nebraska Online Sports Betting Measure May Not be as Favorable

Senator Guereca has stressed the importance of passing LR 20CA in large part because it won't be the last piece of Nebraska online sports betting legislation. And the next one, he argues, may not be as favorable to the state’s bottom line. Consider this from Wendling’s piece:

“Multiple senators, for and against Bostar’s measure, agreed that if lawmakers don’t act, gambling advocates might push for getting a broader measure to voters next year anyway. State Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney echoed Bostar that lawmakers needed to act now to determine what that should look like. He and Bostar said that when the Legislature fails to meet voters’ demands — such as paid sick leave, minimum wage or medical cannabis — the people often go beyond original legislative attempts. Guereca said that if lawmakers waited, rather than the state collecting 20 percent of revenue for taxes, the potential revenue might drop, foregoing funds for tax relief or to help problem gamblers.”

This is a valid concern. You can tell because it resonates with both lawmakers for and against Nebraska online sports betting.

Of course, many dismiss the prospect of alternative legalization methods. This is pretty unwise. Just look at what just happened with online sports betting in Missouri. After repeated attempts to green light mobile wagering failed in the House of Representatives and Senate, a coalition made up of pro sports teams and online sportsbooks in the United States sponsored a petition teeming with enough voter signatures to put a measure on the 2024 electoral ballot. The initiative ended up (narrowly) passing. Now, Missouri online sports betting will be live by December 2025. Sportsbooks, in turn, will be subject to a 10 percent tax rate. Also, a minimum of $5 million each year will be allocated toward problem gambling prevention and programs.

Like Missouri, Nebraska Could be Leaving Money on the Table if They Wait

It isn’t immediately clear whether Missouri lawmakers could have negotiated a higher tax rate if they legalized online wagering through the traditional channels. Then again, they almost certainly could have. A 10 percent sports betting tax is well below the current national average.

No, we are not saying that The Show-Me State could have implemented the 50 percent tax rate instituted by the New York sports betting market. But they could have pushed for 15 percent, 20 percent, even 25 percent.

This same logic applies to the potential for Nebraska online sports betting. If a contingency measure is sponsored by sportsbooks in the USA, The Cornhusker State could miss out on millions of dollars in revenue each year. That’s not ideal. After all, if you’re going to have online sports betting, they’ll want to make as much off it as possible. Especially when they are conceding to the likely downsides.

This is why it’s incredibly important for policymakers to have a pulse on what voters think. A more updated poll heading into 2026 could go a long way. If it turns out most are in favor of Nebraska online sports betting, it might make sense to be proactive. Otherwise, the state may end up legalizing mobile wagering downline anyway, only with a lower potential tax rate.

Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can find one that works for all of your sports betting needs: