This page offers detailed Nebraska sports betting coverage, especially as it relates to legal updates in the state. You can expect this page to be updated regularly.
History Behind Sports Betting Laws in Nebraska
Nebraska is a state that has always had some pretty restrictive laws when it comes to gambling, and that was the case with sports betting until 2021 as well. Lawmakers in Nebraska began working towards a sports betting bill after voters in the state showed some support behind new gambling options.
In November 2020, voters in the state approved turning horse racing tracks into casinos, and that would be the first of its kind in the state. That gave lawmakers enough support to start thinking about including sports betting at those casino properties.
It was Bill LB 561 that officially legalized sports betting in the state of Nebraska. That bill was signed on May 27, 2021, but it wasn’t until October 21, 2022 that the first set of sports betting rules were agreed upon.
What’s the Holdup with Launching Nebraska Sports Betting?
The official sports betting rules were approved on October 21, 2022 by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. That gave casinos and potential sportsbook operators the green light to start making preparations, but that is as far as things have gone.
Those rules still have to be approved by both the attorney general and the governor, and that is where things currently stand. There is no expected launch date of sports betting as it’s unclear when those people are going to officially approve the rules.
Can We Expect Mobile Sports Betting?
There is a chance that mobile sports betting might come to the state of Nebraska at some point, but it’s not going to be anytime soon. The initial set of rules did not include any mobile wagering options as the state wants to give casinos full control at the beginning.
Since Nebraska is only going to offer retail wagering initially, it’s going to be hard for the state to see any real success in this industry. Look for lawmakers in Nebraska to begin to explore mobile sports betting after retail sportsbooks have gotten off to a good start.
Sports Teams to Bet on in Nebraska
Nebraska doesn’t host any professional sports franchises, so college sports are the main source of athletic entertainment. The University of Nebraska is the school that has the most support in the state. Nebraska is a member of the Big Ten Conference. The Nebraska football team has been very successful throughout the program’s history. The team has won five national titles with their latest coming in 1997. The team has an all-time winning percentage that’s just under .700%. Three Heisman winners and 54 All-Americans have worn Scarlet and Cream for the Cornhuskers.
The Nebraska basketball program hasn’t been as successful as the football team. However, the Cornhuskers have made the NCAA tournament seven times. They have won the Big Ten tournament once in 1994. Creighton University has the best basketball program in the state of Nebraska. Creighton has made the NCAA Tournament 11 times in the 21st Century. The Bluejays have won the Big East Conference Tournament and regular season championship countless times in their program’s history.
Support for professional sports franchises vary in the state depending on resident’s location. The western half of the state tends to support the Colorado sports franchises including the Denver Broncos, the Denver Nuggets, and the Colorado Rockies. People in the eastern portion of the state usually like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals.
FAQ for Betting in Nebraska
Is sports betting legal in Nebraska?
Yes, sports betting has been legal in the state of Nebraska since 2021, but there are not any active sportsbooks as of January 2023. All of the betting will have to be done at in-person or retail sportsbooks.
What’s holding back sports betting in Nebraska?
The Attorney General in Nebraska still needs to approve of the sports betting rules and the governor must also approve. That is the current issue that is holding the launch process back.
Does Nebraska allow betting on college sports?
Betting on college sporting events will be legal in Nebraska, but there are also going to be some restrictions. There will be no player prop betting allowed on college games, and betting on in-state college teams is also prohibited.
Who oversees sports betting in Nebraska?
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission oversees all gambling in the state, including sports betting.
What’s the legal gambling age in Nebraska?
The legal gambling age in the state of Nebraska is set at 21 years of age on all forms of online gambling.