Nebraska Voters Decide on Online Sports Betting Legalization

Nebraska voters are deciding on two linked ballot measures, Initiative 440 and Initiative 441, to determine the legality of online sports wagering. Initiative 440 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize internet-based betting platforms connected to licensed racetrack casinos, while Initiative 441 would establish the legal framework and grant the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission the authority to regulate the industry. Both measures must pass for online sports betting to become legal in the state.

Tax Relief Nebraska, the campaign advocating for the measures, argues that legalization will stop revenue loss to offshore platforms and neighboring states like Iowa. The group projects that the move would deliver more than $166 million in direct property tax relief to homeowners, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses over the next ten years.

Campaign finance filings with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission show the effort has been heavily funded by the gambling industry. The campaign raised approximately $17.58 million, with DraftKings contributing over $9.5 million and FanDuel contributing over $7 million.