DraftKings and FanDuel have each contributed more than $1 million to the “Tax Relief Nebraska” campaign, a ballot initiative aimed at helping to legalize sports betting in the state.
Several other operators have stepped up their financial support in Nebraska’s push to legalize sports betting. In addition to contributions from FanDuel and DraftKings, support for the “Tax Relief Nebraska” campaign has also come from BetMGM and Fanatics.
At the same time, several operators have directed additional funds toward state political figures, with over $70,000 in contributions going to the campaign for Governor Jim Pillen and Mike Hilgers.
These companies include: Caesars Entertainment, Coalition for Fantasy Sports, Grand Island Casino Resort PAC, Husker Gaming, PrizePicks, and Warhorse Gaming.
Support from industry leaders like DraftKings and FanDuel could play a pivotal role in influencing the push for regulated sports betting in Nebraska.
As the two most prominent operators in the U.S., financial support from DraftKings and FanDuel also helps with political momentum.
Their involvement signals confidence in the state as a viable future market. It can help push Nebraska sports betting across the finish line by increasing visibility and funding for advertising.
Currently, Nebraska’s legal sports betting options remain limited to in-person wagering at select retail locations, with no option for online wagering. As a result, several bettors turn to offshore betting sites, which operate outside U.S. regulations.
These platforms lack consumer protections, since they aren’t bound by compliance standards in terms of security and responsible gaming.
By introducing a regulated market in Nebraska, this would funnel be activity into a controlled environment, where licensed operators are subject to state oversight, responsible gambling measures, and financial safeguards. This would create a safer environment for Nebraskans.
The campaign to bring online sports betting to Nebraska is now focused on qualifying a pair of ballot measures for voter consideration. Backers of the “Tax Relief Nebraska” initiative began gathering signatures earlier this year.
One proposal looks to amend the state constitution to permit digital wagering, while a second would update existing gaming regulations. Each petition must meet specific signature thresholds: 10% of registered voters for the first, and 7% for the second. The deadline for these petitions is on July 3.
The proposed framework would connect online sportsbook licenses to Nebraska’s existing retail casinos, including properties operated by WarHorse Gaming.
If voters ultimately approve the measures, oversight would fall to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission.
With DraftKings and FanDuel entering the picture, there is optimism.
