Another round of multimillion-dollar donations announced Monday could be an encouraging sign for Nebraska’s online sports betting legalization hopes.
- FanDuel and DraftKings each added $3.5 million, bringing Nebraska’s online sports betting campaign fundraising to $14.65 million.
- Supporters retained $5.43 million in cash heading toward the Nov. 3 vote after spending $1.71 million on advertising.
- The proposal could allow up to 12 mobile sportsbooks, with supporters emphasizing property tax relief and opponents warning of social costs.
FanDuel and DraftKings each contributed another $3.5 million to Nebraska’s online sports betting legalization campaign, per Monday’s campaign filing, nearly doubling its fundraising ahead of a November statewide vote. The renewed investment from the nation’s two leading sportsbooks suggests the operators see Nebraska’s potential sportsbook market as worth pursuing, even as they already offer sports event contracts in the state through their respective prediction market platforms.
Tax Relief Nebraska, the ballot measure campaign supporting legalization, reported $7.25 million in contributions between July 28 and Sept. 29, bringing its election-year fundraising to $14.65 million.
BetMGM added $250,000 in the most recent financial reporting cycle, bringing its total to $500,000. Fanatics previously contributed $75,000 but reported no additional contribution during the latest period.
More campaign finance details
The additional funding follows the campaign’s successful petition effort. Nebraska voters will consider two complementary measures Nov. 3: one that would amend the constitution to permit laws authorizing online sports wagering and a complementary measure that would establish the regulatory framework.
Nebraska already permits in-person sports betting at its gaming facilities.
The latest contributions move the campaign beyond the question of whether sportsbooks would continue funding legalization after securing ballot access. The two operators contributed nearly as much during the latest reporting period as the committee had raised before it.
Sportsbooks Double Down on Nebraska Betting Campaign
Contributions to Tax Relief Nebraska before the latest reporting period and election-year totals through Sept. 29, 2026.
Source: Tax Relief Nebraska campaign finance statement, July 28–Sept. 29, 2026. Totals include previously reported contributions; paired bars should not be added together. BetMGM and Fanatics contributions were reported under their operating entities.
Tax Relief Nebraska spent approximately $2.29 million during the reporting period and finished Sept. 29 with $5.43 million in cash. Its election-year spending reached $9.22 million. The additional contributions give supporters millions more to spend persuading voters after financing the signature drive that qualified the measures for the ballot.
Media placement accounted for the largest disclosed expense. The campaign paid $1.71 million for advertising, with most of that total going to advertising on the state’s four major broadcast television stations.
Nebraska online sports betting details
The proposed market could accommodate up to 12 mobile sportsbooks, with two platform partners apiece for Nebraska’s six gaming facilities. Legalization would retain the prohibition on betting on Nebraska college teams when they play within the state, a notable restriction in a market where Cornhuskers football commands substantial attention.
FanDuel and DraftKings' contributions put the two operators in a strong position to pursue market access if voters approve the measures. BetMGM and Fanatics, also among the highest-grossing online U.S. sports betting providers, could be among the other major operators expected to pursue market access. Caesars already has an operating partnership for online sports betting and an existing retail sportsbook at Harrah’s in Columbus.
Supporters’ voter pamphlet arguments emphasize property tax relief.
An industry research analysis projects $86.9 million in total online sports betting tax revenue over the first five years, including $60.9 million for property tax relief. Its 10-year projection estimates $166.2 million in property tax relief, assuming a 2027 launch and continued market growth.
Opponents’ arguments in Nebraska’s official voter pamphlet contend online betting would send money to out-of-state gambling companies, expose teenagers to aggressive advertising and increase athlete harassment and social costs. They also argue taxpayers would receive no meaningful property tax relief.
The Nebraska Family Alliance, the group leading the opposition, has reported no financial contributions during this campaign cycle.
