Nebraska Sports Betting Amendment Advances to Senate Vote, Requires Three Supermajorities
Nebraska online sports betting advanced closer to legalization after the Senate General Affairs Committee approved LR20CA with a 6-2 vote, moving the constitutional amendment bill to the Senate floor.
Sen. Eliot Bostar's (D-29) legislation aims to legalize online sports betting through a constitutional amendment. If approved, voters will decide its fate during the November 2026 general election.
Basketball player in white jersey
Key aspects of the proposed legislation:
- Amends the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act to allow casino-operated online sports betting
- Allocates 90% of tax revenue to property tax relief through the Property Tax Credit Cash fund
- Requires approval from 30 of 49 Senators on three separate votes
- Must pass with two-thirds majority each time
A companion bill (LB 421) by Sen. Stan Clouse (R-37) provides the regulatory framework:
- Allows each of six Nebraska casinos to partner with one online betting operator
- Removes betting restrictions on in-state colleges
- Places regulation under the State Racing and Gaming Commission
While some senators express concerns about gambling expansion, others note that casinos may attempt to place the issue on the 2026 ballot through referendum if the legislature doesn't act first.
Currently, Nebraska only permits retail sports betting, which is taxed at 20%. The bill must clear several legislative hurdles before reaching Gov. Jim Pillen's (R) desk for final approval.