Nebraska lawmakers are once again being asked to consider online sports betting.
A group of Nebraska’s licensed operators have asked Gov. Jim Pillen and lawmakers across the Cornhusker State to discuss a potential online sports betting bill that could generate an additional $30 million in revenue annually for property tax relief. Ho Chunk Inc., WarHorse Gaming’s parent company, is asking lawmakers to consider legislation during a special session on July 25 that would authorize a constitutional amendment.
The amendment would be placed on November’s ballot allowing voters to decide its fate.
A potential online bill has garnered support from lawmakers, including Sen. Terrell McKinney, who has noted neighboring Iowa’s ability to drive profits from wagering.
“Missed revenue that we’re missing out on because we want to be the ‘nanny state,'” McKinney told KETV.
A measure supporting online sports betting in Nebraska would require 30 votes from lawmakers for a constitutional amendment to be placed on November’s ballot.
A constitutional amendment may find favor with voters across the state following a poll from Ho Chunk that determined that 65% of Nebraskans support online wagering.
Best option in Nebraska
Online sports betting would help Pillen reach his goal of reducing property taxes in the state by half, which would require approximately $1.8 billion in revenue. Pillen, who has voiced his disapproval of online wagering in the past, has considered sin tax increases and spending cuts to reduce property taxes but online betting is believed to be his best option.
“Considering the other options that have been floated around in the news. I certainly think that this is a much more palatable way to raise money,” said WarHorse Director of Government Relations Lynne McNally.
If a constitutional amendment is not approved for November’s ballot, sports fans across Nebraska will have to wait until 2026 for online sports betting to be reconsidered.
Nebraska launches retail wagering
Last June, the Cornhusker State went live with retail wagering with WarHorse Casino accepting the state’s first wager. The state’s active gaming law, signed by former Gov. Pete Ricketts in 2021, only authorizes retail sports betting on casino grounds. However, players are legally allowed to view, build, and save betting markets before wagering at casinos.
Nebraska gaming law also prohibits betting on any in-state college or university.
