Nebraska voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to authorize and regulate online sports betting, as the campaign behind two ballot measures faces a final push from opponents, including current and former Husker athletes and coaches.
Initiative Measure 440 would amend the state constitution to authorize online sports wagering. Its companion, Initiative Measure 441, would establish the regulatory system. Tax Relief Nebraska, the campaign sponsoring both measures, says legalisation would provide consumer protections and retain betting revenue that it says now goes to other states.
As we reported in August, Tax Relief Nebraska said it had submitted more than 201,000 signatures for Measure 440 and 146,000 for Measure 441. Jordan McGrain of the campaign said failing to legalise would preserve a system without consumer protections while money continues to cross state lines.
The proposed statute would permit bets only through authorised gaming operators or their contracted platform providers, and only when the bettor is in Nebraska. It would require betting servers used by authorised operators to be located in the state and limit each operator to two online platforms.
The measure’s definition of authorised events covers professional, collegiate, international, motor-racing, draft, individual-award, esports and simulated-game events, with exclusions. In-state college events involving a Nebraska college or university team would be excluded. Nebraska law already bars betting on the Huskers and other college teams playing at home, and the State Racing and Gaming Commission can impose further restrictions.
If Measure 441 passes, it would become operative Jan. 1, 2027, and require the commission to adopt rules by June 1, 2027.
Save Nebraska Sports has intensified its opposition in the closing weeks, running an advertisement featuring State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg and State Auditor Mike Foley and circulating a letter signed by 45 current and former Huskers. The group was organised in September to oppose the measures.
Former football coach Tom Osborne, Ron Brown, Mark Manning, Turner Gill and Roy Helu Jr. are among those involved in the opposition effort. The letter argues that online gambling would bring unrestricted betting and relentless advertising, potentially threaten the integrity of college athletics, and expose student-athletes to harassment or threats after gamblers lose money.
It also cites risks including game manipulation, bribery, extortion and threats against athletes, officials and staff. The letter was paid for by Save Nebraska Sports, and says its signers acted in their personal capacities rather than on behalf of the University of Nebraska.
The NCAA has separately said sports betting can affect student-athletes’ eligibility, finances, mental health and future opportunities. It uses an integrity-monitoring programme to pursue betting violations and supports state-law protections against harassment and coercion.
The contest has drawn substantial industry funding. Through Sept. 29, Tax Relief Nebraska had raised $14.65 million and spent $9.22 million, with FanDuel and DK Crown Holdings, DraftKings’ parent company, each contributing more than $7 million. DraftKings and FanDuel had each added $3.5 million in the reporting period ending Sept. 29.
Tax Relief Nebraska has estimated that online sports betting could generate $166 million over 10 years. Its projections put state tax revenue at $86.9 million in the first five years, including about $60.9 million for property-tax relief.
The vote follows Nebraska’s 2020 decision to permit casino gambling at five racetracks. Under current law, annual gaming revenue is taxed at 20%, with 70% of the tax directed to property-tax-relief credits.
