Nebraska Moves Forward with Mobile Sports Betting Bill

The proposal, introduced by Sen. Eliot Bostar and formally designated as Legislative Resolution 20CA, seeks to allow voters to determine in 2026 whether to legalize placing sports bets via mobile devices across the state.

While the measure cleared its first major procedural obstacle with a 27-16 vote in the 49-member Legislature, it still faces significant political headwinds. A constitutional amendment must secure at least 30 votes to continue advancing and 33 votes if opponents pursue a filibuster—a tactic they have already signaled they will employ.

ers Stress Lost Revenue and Consumer Protection

Sen. Bostar introduced the resolution to address what he described as an ongoing, unregulated practice.

“I introduced this not because I think gambling is a great thing, not because I want everyone to do it, not because I think you should like it, or anyone should, but fundamentally because it’s already happening,” Bostar said. “Our prohibition on mobile sports betting here in save Nebraska is not stopping anyone from engaging in that activity.”

Backers of LR 20CA argue that allowing online sports betting would not only align with current public behavior but also enable the state to retain the associated tax benefits. They point to the volume of Nebraskans who currently cross into neighboring states such as Iowa to place bets legally.

Sen. Jason Prokop, who designated the proposal as his priority bill this session, illustrated this point by describing the large numbers of residents who travel into Iowa during football season.

“There’s no reason why a corn field in Iowa, just off the interstate, should be touted as the busiest corn field in America. Senators, those are your and my constituents using this product, spending their money and paying taxes in another state, simply because our Constitution does not provide for it,” he said.

Bostar echoed those concerns by highlighting the state’s financial losses due to current restrictions. “Nebraska is currently missing out on a $1.6 billion state online industry and $32 million in annual tax revenue, which instead goes to neighboring states like Iowa, Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming,” he noted. He suggested that these funds could instead Nebraska’s property tax credit fund.

Opposition Concerns Range from Social Impact to Legislative Strategy

Despite the resolution’s early momentum, it continues to face skepticism from lawmakers like Sen. Jared Storm, who questioned the frequent linkage between new legislation and property tax reduction. “I’ve been in the body for three months. I’m a freshman senator, and it seems like the common thread I keep seeing here is, if you want to your bill or get something through here, you say it’s going to lower property taxes. That’s kind of the buzz word,” he remarked.

Other lawmakers and public figures voiced deeper concerns about the broader implications of legalized online betting. Sen. Brad von Gillern, chair of the Revenue Committee, circulated information detailing potential harms tied to gambling, such as addiction and financial instability.

Additional opposition came from high-profile figures, including former Gov. Kay Orr, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, former University of Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne, and State Auditor Mike Foley, all of whom urged legislators to vote down the proposal.

However, current Gov. Jim Pillen has broken with some of his predecessors, throwing his behind online sports betting and citing property tax relief as a key policy objective.

Some Lawmakers Warn of Outside Ballot Measures

A number of legislators suggested that failing to act on the resolution could open the door for outside groups to push their own initiatives. Sens. Stan Clouse and Jason Prokop advocated for legislative control over the matter, saying it would provide more opportunity for oversight and regulation.

Proponents of the measure emphasized that legalization would allow Nebraska to set its own safeguards and consumer protections. They assert that the state should act now rather than risk a broader, less regulated proposal from external interests.

Even among lawmakers not generally opposed to gambling, there were warnings about the impact of increased accessibility. Sen. Margo Juarez, who described herself as progressive and an occasional casino-goer, raised concerns over the risks associated with mobile wagering. She noted the lack of physical barriers or social interactions in mobile gambling, which she believes makes it more conducive to impulsive decisions and rapid financial losses.

“While in-person gambling involves a physical effort and social experience, mobile wagering can be instantaneous and isolating,” Juarez said.

Although a few senators who were absent during the initial vote—Sens. Beau Ballard, Tom Brandt, and Jane Raybould—have indicated they LR 20CA, others remain either opposed or undecided. Sens. Rita Sanders and Brian Hardin had previously voted against similar measures, and Sen. Glen Meyer has yet to make his position clear.

With a critical vote count of 30 needed to advance and potentially 33 required to overcome a filibuster, the resolution’s future remains uncertain. Its age ultimately hinges on whether ers can broaden their coalition and counter the persistent opposition.

Source:

Proposal to legalize mobile sports betting advances, nebraskapublicmedia.org, April 14, 2025