A campaign to legalise online sports betting in Nebraska has submitted what it says are enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Tax Relief Nebraska, the group behind the effort, has delivered nearly 350,000 signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office for two ballot initiatives. The move marks a significant step in the push to bring regulated online sports wagering to the Cornhusker State.
The two initiatives aim to amend the state constitution to allow online sports betting and to establish a regulatory framework for the activity. If approved by voters, Nebraska would join a growing number of US states that have legalised online sports betting since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban in 2018. Currently, Nebraska only permits in-person sports betting at licensed casinos, which began in 2021 after voters approved casino gambling at horse racing tracks.
Tax Relief Nebraska’s petitions include a proposed constitutional amendment that would authorise the Nebraska Legislature to legalise and regulate online sports betting. The second initiative would set a 20% tax on online sports betting revenue, with funds directed to property tax relief. The group has framed the issue as a way to reduce the state’s high property taxes without raising other taxes.
The signature submission now triggers a verification process by the Secretary of State’s office. To qualify for the ballot, each initiative must have valid signatures from at least 10% of registered voters in the state, including 5% in at least 38 of Nebraska’s 93 counties. The group’s total of nearly 350,000 signatures exceeds the required threshold, but the distribution across counties will be key. If certified, the measures would appear on the November 2024 general election ballot.
The campaign has drawn support from a coalition of business groups, tax reform advocates, and some gaming industry stakeholders. Opponents include some conservative and faith-based organisations that have historically opposed gambling expansion. Nebraska’s existing casino operators, which include WarHorse Gaming and others, have expressed mixed views, with some concerned about cannibalisation of their retail sportsbooks.
If the initiatives pass, Nebraska would join neighbouring states like Iowa and Kansas that already offer online sports betting. The state’s current in-person sports betting market has generated modest revenue since launch, with total handle reaching approximately $100 million in 2023. Analysts estimate that online sports betting could significantly boost that figure, potentially generating tens of millions in additional tax revenue annually.
The Nebraska Secretary of State’s office has 40 days to verify the signatures. If the initiatives qualify, the campaign will shift to voter education and persuasion ahead of the November election. The outcome could have implications for the broader regional sports betting landscape, as Nebraska’s entry into the online market would create a more competitive environment in the Great Plains region.
Industry observers note that Nebraska’s path to online sports betting has been slower than some peers due to political dynamics and the state’s conservative leanings. However, the strong signature drive suggests significant public appetite for the measure. The property tax relief angle may also resonate with voters, as Nebraska has one of the highest property tax burdens in the US.
Should the initiatives succeed, the Nebraska Legislature would need to pass implementing legislation to establish licensing, oversight, and operational rules. The timeline for launch would depend on the legislative session and regulatory development, but could potentially see online sports betting operational by late 2025 or early 2026.
The coming weeks will be critical as the signature verification process unfolds. If the measures make the ballot, Nebraska voters will have a direct say in whether the state joins the online sports betting wave that has swept much of the country.