DraftKings and FanDuel are putting more money behind Nebraska’s push to legalize online sports betting. The two operators each contributed another $3.5 million to Tax Relief Nebraska, adding $7 million to the campaign ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The latest contributions bring total fundraising for the effort to approximately $14.65 million. The new spending builds on the sportsbook-backed campaign that helped get online sports betting on the ballot in the first place.
DraftKings and FanDuel are by far the biggest financial supporters of the legalization effort, but they are not the only prominent operators involved. BetMGM contributed another $250,000 during the latest reporting period, bringing its total support to $500,000. Fanatics has also contributed $75,000.
That spending shows how much the fight over mobile betting has intensified ahead of Election Day. Nebraska already allows retail sports betting at licensed gaming facilities, but online wagering remains prohibited.
Voters will consider two related ballot measures on Nov. 3. The Nebraska Secretary of State certified both petitions for the ballot in August. Initiative Measure 440 would amend the Nebraska Constitution to allow lawmakers to authorize online sports wagering for bettors physically located in the state.
The companion proposal, Initiative Measure 441, would establish the framework for how the market would operate. The official regulation initiative would allow an authorized gaming operator to partner with no more than two online sports betting platforms.
The measure would also require platform servers to be located in Nebraska. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission would establish mobile betting regulations.
Restrictions on in-state college betting would remain in place. The proposal limits wagering involving Nebraska college teams, with restrictions on college player props.
Supporters have focused on property tax relief when making the case for Nebraska online sports betting.
Tax Relief Nebraska has projected that online sports betting could generate $86.9 million in tax revenue over its first five years, with approximately $60.9 million going toward property tax relief. Nebraska’s existing gaming tax structure already directs a large portion of gaming revenue toward property tax relief.
Opponents of legalization have raised concerns about the risks involved with online sports betting, with easy access increasing the chances of problem gambling.
DraftKings and FanDuel’s latest contributions show that the industry remains willing to spend heavily even after the measures qualified for the ballot. DraftKings and FanDuel have now each put more than $7 million behind the effort, giving supporters significant resources for the final stretch before the vote.
Ultimately, Nebraska voters will decide whether the state moves beyond retail-only wagering and joins the growing number of states with online sports betting.
