Nebraska sports betting campaign receives $7M from DraftKings and FanDuel

Major sportsbook operators DraftKings and FanDuel have each contributed an additional $3.5 million to Tax Relief Nebraska, the advocacy group supporting the legalization of online sports betting in the state. These latest donations bring the total contribution from each company to $7 million, significantly bolstering the campaign's war chest ahead of the November 3 referendum.

Tax Relief Nebraska reported over $5.42 million in cash reserves following a recent spending period of approximately $2.29 million, which was primarily allocated to media placement, research, and legal services. Other contributors include BetMGM, which has provided $500,000 in total, and Fanatics, which has contributed $75,000.

On Election Day, voters will decide on two related initiatives: Initiative Measure 440, which seeks to amend the state constitution to allow lawmakers to authorize online sports wagering, and Initiative Measure 441, which would establish the regulatory framework. If approved, the structure would allow racetrack casinos to run or partner with up to two online sportsbooks. A state-commissioned study suggests that approval could generate nearly $87 million in new tax revenue over the first five years.