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A new push to expand gambling in Nebraska has advanced, with lawmakers moving forward on a constitutional amendment that would allow online sports betting—but only at licensed racetracks.
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While the measure passed its latest hurdle, it’s far from a done deal. Debate among state lawmakers continues, especially around the social impact of legalizing mobile betting in this way.
Senator Brad Von Gillern has voiced concerns about the potential downsides. Speaking to local reporters, he said, “The relationship between online sports gambling addiction and financial struggle is well documented and increasingly concerning, especially with the rapid growth of legal online betting platforms.”
Gillern is not alone in raising the alarm. Others have pointed to rising issues tied to mobile betting apps, especially among younger adults who are now frequently engaging with online gambling platforms.
On the other side, Senator Eliot Bostar—who is backing the proposal—argues that expanding access to mobile betting could help relieve some of the state’s financial pressures.
“This is an opportunity to create a new source of revenue for property tax relief,” Bostar said. He added that most Nebraskans already support the idea. “Almost 60% of voters support legalizing mobile sports betting, especially when they know it would generate $32 million annually in state revenue.”
That projected amount has caught the attention of both taxpayers and local leaders, many of whom see it as a chance to ease reliance on other tax sources.
Although the measure has advanced, it will still need more discussion and approval before reaching voters. If lawmakers approve it in full, Nebraskans would have the final say in a statewide ballot.