Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen has certified two online sports wagering initiatives for the state's Nov. 3 general election ballot, moving a proposed expansion of Nebraska's regulated betting market to a statewide vote.
The Online Sports Wagering Authorization proposal will appear as Initiative Measure 440, while the accompanying Online Sports Wagering Regulation proposal has been assigned Initiative Measure 441. A third initiative, unrelated to gambling, will appear as Measure 442.
Nebraska currently permits sports betting only at licensed racetrack enclosures. State law requires wagers to be placed in person at an approved sportsbook window or kiosk, with online and mobile wagering prohibited. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission oversees the existing market.
Measure 440 would amend the Nebraska Constitution to permit laws allowing sports wagers to be placed within the state through an internet-based platform offered by an authorised gaming operator.
Measure 441 would provide the statutory framework for that expansion. Bettors would have to be physically located in Nebraska when placing online wagers, while authorised gaming operators could operate no more than two online sports wagering platforms.
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission would be required to adopt implementing regulations by June 1, 2027.
The ballot campaign follows repeated attempts to address mobile wagering through the Legislature. LR20CA advanced during the 2025 legislative session before sponsor Sen. Eliot Bostar withdrew the measure after saying it lacked the 33 votes needed to overcome an expected filibuster.
Sports betting became available at Nebraska racetracks in 2023 after voters approved casino gambling at licensed racetracks in 2020 and lawmakers subsequently authorised retail sports wagering.
The financial impact has also formed part of the campaign. Research commissioned by Tax Relief Nebraska estimated that online wagering could generate almost $87m in additional state tax revenue over five years. Under the proposal, 70% of resulting revenue would be allocated to property tax relief.
Nebraska law requires the Secretary of State's Office to hold hearings on ballot measures in each of the state's three congressional districts in October, ahead of the general election.
In August, Nebraska confirmed that both Tax Relief Nebraska initiatives had cleared signature requirements for the November ballot. The measures would connect online wagering to the state's licensed racetracks and require regulators to establish rules by June 2027.
Nebraska voters approved casino gaming at licensed racetracks in 2020, with retail sportsbooks beginning operations in 2023
