Nebraska Petition Drive Targets Mobile Sports Betting Ballot Measure
Nebraska may soon face a statewide vote on whether to allow online and mobile sports wagering. A coalition of gaming operators and local partners is preparing a petition drive aimed at putting the question before voters in 2026.
Current rules and missed opportunities
At present, sports betting in Nebraska is restricted to retail sportsbooks inside casinos or racetracks. Residents looking to place bets online must either travel to neighboring states like Iowa or Colorado, or turn to offshore sites. Some Nebraskans use VPNs to spoof their location and wager in Iowa.
Supporters argue that Nebraska is losing millions in potential tax revenue to nearby states. Projections suggest online sports betting could generate about $32 million annually for state coffers. Like casino revenue, most of those funds would be earmarked for the property tax relief fund.
Petition requirements
Two separate petitions will circulate:
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A constitutional amendment authorizing mobile wagering.
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A supporting statute establishing the regulatory framework.
Roughly 125,000 valid signatures are required for the amendment and around 90,000 for the statute. Organizers expect to begin collecting signatures within the next month.
The effort is being led by WarHorse Gaming, which operates casino expansions in Omaha and Lincoln in partnership with Nebraska Horsemen, alongside several national sportsbook platforms.
Lynn McNally, CEO of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, said she is confident the coalition can meet the threshold.
Legislative setbacks
The petition effort follows repeated failures in the unicameral legislature. During the 2025 session, a constitutional amendment introduced by Sen. Eliot Bostar (LR20CA) cleared the General Affairs Committee and reached the floor but fell short of the 30 votes needed. Previous bills, including LB 421 and LB 438, also failed.
A filibuster stalled debate, while disagreements over revenue distribution and tethering requirements for racinos added to the gridlock. Some senators voiced caution about expanding gambling online, a theme that has slowed Nebraska’s rollout even of retail betting.
If supporters gather enough signatures, Nebraskans will decide in 2026 whether to join dozens of other states that now allow betting from mobile devices.
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