Two petitions that would legalize online sports betting in Nebraska have finally been approved for circulation by the Secretary of State’s Office ahead of the 2026 general election.
One would amend the state constitution to allow sports betting through an authorized gaming operator, and the other would enact a statute allowing online sports wagers through operators partnered with the state’s racinos and regulated by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission.
Key Takeaways
- Two petitions to legalize online sports wagering in Nebraska are now in circulation.
- If approved by residents, sports wagering would then be placed on the ballot for this year's general election.
- To pass, the initiative needs 7% of registered voters, whereas the constitutional amendment needs 10%.
Both petitions are sponsored by Kyle Adema, Jordan McGain, and Tim Moran, with the sworn statements received Jan. 9 and the related measures Feb. 4. Warhorse Casino officials say the filers are associated with the Sports Betting Alliance, according to Nebraska Public Media.
The first petition, “Online Sports Wagering Regulation Initiative,” sets out the regulations and requirements for sports betting. Online operators would need to use a “server in Nebraska” to host their platforms. Operators would be unable to offer sports wagering through more than two platforms and would need to work through the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, which would oversee regulation of these platforms.
The measure also calls for the commission to define regulations by June 1, 2027.
The second petition, “Online Sports Wagering Authorization Constitutional Amendment,” states money generated from sports wagering would be used to fund tax relief; specifically, the first $500,000 after wagers and operating expenses would go toward the Compulsive Gamblers Fund.
After this, the remaining money would be used to fund the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund and the Nebraska State Fair Board.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google accountThe initiative needs to be signed by 7% of registered voters, while the amendment to the constitution needs to be signed by 10%. Both must be signed by at least 5% of registered voters in 38 of the state’s 93 counties.
Mississippi online sports wagering bill passes House
Nebraska isn’t the only state looking to legalize online sports betting, as Mississippi has recently seen House Bill 1581 pass the state's House of Representatives through an 85-31 vote. However, the bill must now face the Mississippi Senate, which has seen similar bills die over the past few years.
The newly updated bill allocates tax revenue to pension programs, which lawmakers said are currently facing a $26-billion shortfall. Last year, the bill put the revenue toward roads and bridges in the state.
Additionally, the bill would set aside $6 million annually for land-based casinos until the 2029-30 fiscal year to cover losses they may incur from the introduction of online sports betting.
The Mississippi Senate now has until March 11 to act on the bill.
