Casino operators in Nebraska have launched a petition campaign aimed at allowing online sports betting, seeking to put the issue directly before voters after legislative efforts stalled.
The initiative involves casino companies working with sportsbook operators to collect signatures required for a statewide ballot measure. Organizers must submit petitions by July in order to qualify the proposal for a vote in November.
Supporters say the effort reflects growing interest in expanding the state’s gambling framework following voter approval of retail casinos in 2020. If the measure passes, mobile wagering could become part of Nebraska’s regulated gaming market.
Petition Campaign Seeks Statewide Support
Organizers are circulating two petitions. One would amend the Nebraska Constitution to permit online sports betting, while a second statutory petition would outline how the industry would be regulated.
Under Nebraska’s ballot rules, supporters must collect signatures equal to five percent of voters from the last election and meet that threshold across at least 38 counties.
“We need signatures from five percent of the people who voted in the last election — that number, so if 100 people voted you need five — but you need it from 38 counties,” said Lance Morgan, CEO of Warhorse Casino.
Morgan said the campaign hopes to collect around 300,000 signatures, far above the minimum requirement, to avoid potential challenges during the verification process.
“I don’t think it will be any trouble getting it passed. Our polling shows it’s somewhere around 70 percent approval rating,” Morgan said. “And that’s before sports betting really took off here.”
Revenue Debate Continues
The campaign coincides with ongoing discussions among lawmakers about balancing the state budget and providing property tax relief.
Supporters say legalizing mobile wagering could generate new tax income. Morgan estimated the market could produce millions of dollars in monthly revenue for the state.
“When I say it’s three million a month, I think that’s right and it could be low, so it’s going to be a significant tax generator for the state,” Morgan said.
Advocates have also argued that Nebraska loses tax revenue when residents cross state lines to place bets in neighboring Iowa, where online sports betting has been legal since 2019.
Critics Raise Concerns About Gambling Harm
Opposition to the proposal remains among some lawmakers and advocacy groups who warn about the risks associated with expanded gambling access. Figures cited in public discussions suggest that about half of online gambling revenue comes from people experiencing addiction.
Morgan acknowledged the concerns raised by critics.
“I think that the anti-gambling group — they have a good point. You don’t want people to abuse it,” he said.
Organizers plan to gather signatures across Nebraska at casinos, public events and other locations before the July deadline. If voters approve the measure in November, supporters say residents could potentially place sports bets on their phones by the time the NCAA basketball tournament begins the following year.
Source:
“Nebraska casino owners push online gambling petition drive”, wowt.com, March 13, 2026
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