Nebraska online sports betting measures could reach November ballot
The measures would allow voters to decide whether to legalise online sports betting in the state.
US.- A group campaigning for the legalisation of sports betting in Nebraska expects to have enough valid signatures to place two related petitions on the November 3 ballot. One would establish an online gambling law, while the other would seek to add the measure to the Nebraska Constitution.
Tax Relief Nebraska needs approximately 88,000 signatures for the first petition and around 126,000 for the other.
Supporters argue that Nebraskans already travel to neighbouring states to place mobile bets. Testimony before the Nebraska Legislature from a geofencing company showed that residents crossed state lines roughly 40,000 times over one year to wager in states where online sports betting is legal, with Iowa being the most common destination.
WarHorse Casinos has publicly supported the measures, pointing to the potential tax revenue and the existing demand for mobile wagering. The operator also said it has consulted Nebraska Athletics on protecting college sports integrity and would extend its existing self-exclusion program to online betting.
However, opponents have raised concerns about gambling-related harm, particularly among young people. Pat Loontjer of Gambling with the Good Life said wagering is putting financial pressure on individuals and damaging college sports, while Mike Sciandra of the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling said mobile sports betting has been shown in other states to be roughly three to four times more addictive than traditional casino gambling.
Tax collection is another concern, with questions over how revenue would be allocated when bettors use sports betting apps across different counties.
