Nebraska lawmakers are weighing a potential shift in the state’s gambling laws, one that could take sports betting beyond casino walls and onto mobile platforms. The proposal, backed by State Sen. Eliot Bostar, aims to let voters decide whether online sports betting should be legalized. Advocates see a major revenue opportunity, while opponents warn of the industry’s dangers.
The Push for Mobile Sports Betting
Bostar’s Legislative Resolution 20CA seeks to amend the Nebraska Constitution, allowing online sports wagering statewide. Currently, sports betting is limited to in-person wagers at racetrack casinos, or “racinos,” which were legalized in 2020.
The senator argues that Nebraska is leaving money on the table. He points to data showing that online betting could generate up to $1.6 billion in annual revenue, with $32 million in tax dollars at stake. That money, he says, is flowing to nearby states like Iowa, Colorado, and Kansas, where mobile sports betting is already legal.
“Nebraska is currently missing out,” Bostar said. “Instead, we are funding our neighbors.”
A Divided Debate in the Legislature
Not everyone is on board. The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from opponents who view the gambling industry as exploitative.
During the legislative hearing, anti-gambling advocates framed mobile sports betting as a gateway to addiction and financial distress, particularly for younger demographics. They claim expanding the industry would create more problem gamblers while benefiting only a handful of corporations.
One opponent called the industry “driven by greed,” emphasizing concerns about aggressive marketing tactics used by betting companies to lure in new users.
On the other hand, supporters argue that regulation and oversight would ensure responsible gambling while capturing revenue that’s currently going to other states.
How Nebraska Compares to Its Neighbors
Nebraska’s current stance on gambling is more restrictive compared to several neighboring states. Here’s a quick comparison:
| State | Online Sports Betting | In-Person Betting | Estimated Annual Revenue (Sports Betting) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | Yes | Yes | $250 million |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes | $350 million |
| Kansas | Yes | Yes | $160 million |
| Nebraska | No | Yes (Racinos) | Limited |
Bettors in Omaha and other border cities already cross state lines to place mobile wagers in Iowa. With a simple app, they can bet from their phones while Nebraska misses out on tax dollars.
What Happens Next?
The resolution, if passed, would place the decision in the hands of Nebraska voters in the 2024 election. Similar gambling expansions have been approved through public referendums in other states, suggesting Nebraskans may be open to the idea.
However, it faces a tough path forward in the Legislature. Lawmakers remain divided, and opposition from conservative and anti-gambling groups could slow the process.
For now, the debate continues, with money, morality, and the future of sports betting in Nebraska all on the line.
