Nebraska Weighs Mobile Sports Betting Legalization

Nebraska lawmakers are debating the legalization of online sports betting, currently absent in the state, despite the legalization of in-person betting at casinos since 2020. Several bills, including Sen. Eliot Bostar's LR20CA, propose putting the issue to a voter ballot in 2026, with the potential to generate millions in state revenue, primarily aimed at reducing property taxes. Proponents argue this would capture revenue currently lost to neighboring states like Iowa, where Nebraskans already cross to place bets. Major sportsbooks such as FanDuel and DraftKings support these measures, emphasizing the lost tax revenue and lack of consumer protections in illegal betting. However, opponents, including the Nebraska Family Alliance, highlight the risks of increased problem gambling and question the net benefits of the revenue. The debate reflects a broader national trend towards mobile sports betting, with 28 states already permitting it.