Nebraska voters could soon decide whether to authorize online sports betting after organizers behind a petition campaign reported they are on pace to gather enough signatures for the November ballot.
The effort, led by Tax Relief Nebraska, seeks to legalize and regulate mobile sports wagering statewide. Supporters argue many residents already place bets in neighboring states, leaving Nebraska without tax revenue.
At WarHorse Casino in Lincoln, supporters said the decision should rest with voters. Customer Norm Moyer of Friend said, “I think everybody should have the right to.”
Chad Harper of Palmyra said he signed the petition “to keep the money here in Nebraska — to keep as much of it focused here and in our communities.”
Tax Relief Claims Face Scrutiny
Opponents question both the benefits and the consequences of expanding gambling access. Pat Loontjer, executive director of Gambling with the Good Life, argued that sports betting harms competition and places younger men at greater financial risk.
“It affects the really young men the most, and the heartache that this thing is going to cause young guys that are in college and saving money for their futures — it’s all going to be wasted,” Loontjer said.
She also criticized the petition process, pointing to paid signature gatherers and significant financial backing from DraftKings and FanDuel. According to campaign figures cited in the report, the two companies have contributed more than $7 million combined to the initiative effort.
“They passed the casinos (legalization) in 2020, and nobody’s seen a cent of property tax relief. It doesn’t happen,” Loontjer said.
Nebraska Family Alliance Executive Director Nate Grasz likewise questioned campaign messaging, arguing projected tax relief would be minimal compared with the state’s overall property tax burden.
Supporters and Critics Weigh Gambling Risks
Mike Sciandra of the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling said the organization remains neutral while advocating safeguards.
“The big thing I’d like to mention is that mobile sports betting, in other states, has proven to be about three to four times more addictive and cause more problem gambling than traditional casino gambling,” Sciandra said.
“Any mobile sports book, there is action to be laid 24/7,” Sciandra said, “whether it’s sports from other countries or whatever.”
WarHorse Government Relations Director Lynne McNally said paid petition drives are now essential.
“It’s just a fact anymore that you really can’t do this with a volunteer effort,” McNally said. “It’s very, very difficult.”
She argued Nebraskans already wager by crossing into Iowa or using VPNs.
“They’re just betting illegally by using either a VPN to disguise their location or they’re driving across state lines to place a bet as soon as they hit Iowa, and then they drive right back,” McNally said.
Supporters estimate the campaign is on track to submit enough signatures before the July deadline. Nebraska election officials are expected to determine by mid-September whether the measures qualify for statewide ballots in November.
Source:
“Online gambling petition on track to make Nebraska’s ballot with multi-million dollar campaign”, nebraskapublicmedia.org, Jun 26, 2026
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