Nebraska is one of 20 states without legal online sportsbooks, and now some locals are reportedly considering launching a petition to get the issue on the 2026 ballot. Nebraska Public Media said that proponents of legalization want to bypass state lawmakers and bring the matter directly to the public by way of a constitutional amendment question.
needs the signatures of 10% of all registered voters
A petition in Nebraska needs the signatures of 10% of all registered voters to get a spot on the ballot, which would be approximately 125,786 people. This approach was taken in Missouri, with the public passing a constitutional amendment last November by fewer than 3,000 votes. Online sportsbooks will launch there in December 2025.
WarHorse Casinos Head of Government Relations Lynne McNally said that people travel to neighboring states like Colorado, Kansas, and Iowa or use VPNs to place online bets, sending tax money out of state.
Attempts over the years in the legislature have all failed, most recently in April when the Nebraska Senate blocked a bill by a filibuster after initially passing it in a 27-16 vote. Those who oppose legalization believe gambling addiction rates would skyrocket and that people overestimate the possible tax revenue. One Senator even suggested that sportsbooks manipulate the results of sporting events. Retail sportsbooks have been up and running in the Cornhusker State since June 2023.
