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Nebraska’s legislature has taken a significant step toward legalizing digital sports betting. On March 17, the Senate General Affairs Committee voted 6-2 to advance a constitutional amendment proposal. If the measure passes further hurdles, Nebraska residents will vote on the issue in November 2026, with online sports betting potentially launching by 2027.
The proposal, known as Legislative Resolution 20CA (LR 20CA), needs approval in three separate votes on the Senate floor, requiring a two-thirds majority to move forward. Despite advancing, the bill has faced strong resistance. During a March 10 hearing, several lawmakers voiced concerns over expanding digital gambling access.
Senator John Cavanaugh acknowledged these concerns but stressed the need to act: “I’ve got a lot of heartburn about mobile sports betting. But if we don’t do this, they will put it on the ballot. And it will be more expansive than this.”
Nebraska’s proximity to states with legal online sports betting has contributed to a financial outflow. GeoComply reported 3.9 million geolocation checks in Nebraska during the NFL season, indicating attempts to access online sportsbooks. Additionally, data showed 42,000 border crossings for betting purposes, with 90% heading to Iowa.
A GeoComply heat map further revealed that Nebraskans frequently place wagers near the Iowa border, underscoring the state’s lost revenue potential.
Under LR 20CA, digital sports betting platforms would need partnerships with licensed racetrack enclosures. Up to six licenses would be available, opening opportunities for major operators like BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, ESPN Bet, and Fanatics Sportsbook.
The proposed amendment states:
“A constitutional amendment to permit an authorized gaming operator conducting sports wagering within a licensed racetrack enclosure to allow a sports wager to be placed by an individual located within the State of Nebraska at the time the individual places the sports wager by means of a mobile or electronic platform.”
A key unresolved issue is whether Nebraska will lift its ban on betting on in-state college teams playing at home. While separate legislation could address this, it remains stalled.
Nebraska voters previously approved retail sports betting in 2020, leading to the first in-person bets at WarHorse Casino Lincoln in June 2023. If this amendment passes, it will mark a major expansion for the state’s gambling landscape.
With the legislative session concluding on June 9, the bill may carry over to 2026 if further time is needed.