Nebraska officials have cleared two citizen-led petitions seeking to legalize and regulate online sports betting, allowing organizers to begin collecting voter signatures with the aim of putting the issue before voters in November.
The proposals would amend the Nebraska Constitution to permit internet-based sports wagering and establish a statutory framework governing how online betting platforms would operate in the state. Sports betting is currently legal in Nebraska only through in-person wagering at licensed commercial casinos, following a voter-approved referendum in 2020.
The push for online betting follows repeated failures in the state legislature to expand gambling beyond physical sportsbooks. An advocacy coalition led by WarHorse Gaming, the state’s largest casino operator, and the Sports Betting Alliance has instead turned to the ballot initiative process.
Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen’s office approved the final language of both petitions after reviewing and recommending revisions, clearing the way for circulation.
“Amend the Nebraska Constitution to state that laws may be enacted allowing sports wagers to be placed within the State of Nebraska through an internet-based platform offered by an authorized gaming operator,” the constitutional petition states.
Under the proposal, each licensed casino would be allowed to operate or partner with up to two online sportsbooks, with betting servers required to be located within Nebraska.
Organizers must gather signatures from at least 10% of registered voters statewide about 125,000 people to qualify the constitutional amendment for the ballot. A companion statutory petition requires signatures from 7% of registered voters, or roughly 88,000. Both efforts must also meet a geographic threshold of 5% support in at least 38 of Nebraska’s 93 counties. Signatures are due by July 3, four months before the general election.
“If you’re a citizen interested in signing the position, you should see somebody out and about within the next week or two,” said Lynne McNally, government relations director at WarHorse Casinos.
A separate companion referendum would direct tax revenue from online sports betting primarily to Nebraska’s Property Tax Credit Fund, which lawmakers have used to offset homeowner property taxes. Commercial casino revenue has already exceeded expectations, reducing property taxes on a $200,000 home by about $250 in 2024.
Governor Jim Pillen said last fall that casino revenue deposits into the relief fund were $20 million higher than forecasted.
If approved by voters, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission would be required to adopt and finalize rules governing online sports wagering by June 1, 2027.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/02/17/117643-nebraska-clears-petitions-for-online-sports-betting-vote-in-november
