According to Nebraska Public Media, iGaming supporters are launching a petition to let voters decide whether to allow online sports betting in 2026. Their push comes after a similar plan in the Legislature failed to get enough support earlier this year.
Supporters say legal mobile betting would keep potential tax revenue within the state, while critics worry it could lead to addiction and financial problems for Nebraskans.
Supporters of mobile sports wagering in Nebraska estimate the state is missing out on nearly $32 million each year in tax revenue by keeping online betting illegal. This money is instead flowing to neighboring states with legal sportsbooks or to unregulated offshore operators.
According to Nebraska Senator Eliot Bostar, geolocation services tracked millions of blocked attempts by devices inside the state trying to access legal online sportsbooks elsewhere during the 2024-25 NFL season. These failed logins suggest that many Nebraskans already want to bet on their phones but are being pushed outside state lines to do it, with most travelling to Iowa to place a wager.
Implementing a regulated system would not only capture that lost revenue but also allow Nebraska to put it to public use. Proposals have focused on directing funds toward property tax relief, which remains a top concern for homeowners across the state. Online betting represents not just a new convenience for players but also a way to strengthen the state’s finances.
This is why Sen. Bostar introduced LR20CA to legalize online sports betting in Nebraska, but that was passed over in an April 2025 hearing. Since the bill did not receive the required 30 of 49 votes to be placed on the ballot, it was cast aside for this year, but can be reintroduced in 2026.
That’s where this September petition comes into play.
With the Legislature unable to move LR20CA forward, supporters have shifted their focus to a citizen-led petition drive. The goal is to collect enough signatures to place the issue of online sports betting directly on the 2026 ballot. Petition organizers argue this approach allows Nebraskans to make the decision directly, avoiding delays in the state Legislature.
To qualify, backers will need signatures from at least 10% of registered voters statewide. The hope is that the widespread interest in mobile wagering, coupled with the promise of new tax revenue, will help build momentum. If successful, the petition would bring the question to voters in November 2026, potentially setting the stage for Nebraska to join the growing list of states offering online sports betting.
Critics of expanding sports betting caution that easier access through mobile devices could come with serious social costs. For example, a member of the Nebraska Family Alliance testified against online sports betting, stating that it could increase the risk of addiction, especially among younger people who are more likely to gamble on their phones.
Since Nebraska already has legal sports betting, users can just go to the casinos to place a wager, and there’s no need to expand that to mobile devices, critics say.
It remains to be seen if these sentiments will be enough to slow down the momentum for online sports betting in Nebraska.
