Nebraska lawmakers are wrapping up a special session without touching gambling or betting
Nebraska recently missed an important opportunity to legalize online gaming or sports betting, a move that could have significantly impacted the state’s economy and gambling landscape. As the new NFL season approaches, the state’s residents will continue to be restricted to in-person betting at the four existing sportsbooks, as the bill to legalize online sports betting failed to gain the necessary support.
Despite early signs that Governor Jim Pillen might have been willing to endorse the legislation, the bill was ultimately stalled in the legislative process. This setback means that any further discussions on online gambling, including sports betting, will have to wait until the next legislative session, scheduled for January. This delay will force Nebraska sports fans to continue visiting physical locations for any legal sports betting, missing out on the convenience of mobile wagering.
The bill’s failure to pass was influenced by ongoing political divisions within the state. Last week, a group of 13 senators labeled online betting as a “poison pill,” citing concerns about potential social harms. This resistance is not unique to Nebraska; other states have faced similar skepticism, particularly around the issue of problem gambling, which some argue is aggravated by the availability of online options.
Proponents of the bill argue that the Cornhusker State needs to take advantage of a significant economic opportunity. Estimates suggest that the state could be losing out on as much as $32 million in potential revenue, with that figure potentially reaching $100 million if online sports betting isn’t implemented until 2026. However, for now, the state remains limited to its existing brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, leaving the issue of online gambling unresolved, at least until 2026.
