Nebraska voters to decide on mobile sports betting measures

Nebraska voters will decide on November 3 whether to legalize statewide mobile sports betting through two ballot measures, Initiative 440 and Initiative 441. For mobile betting to become legal, both measures must pass. Initiative 440 would amend the state constitution to permit online sports wagering, while Initiative 441 would establish the regulatory framework.

The campaign to pass these measures has attracted more than $22.5 million in contributions, primarily through the committee Tax Relief Nebraska. Major industry players DraftKings and FanDuel have each contributed approximately $10.4 million. Other significant donors include Fanatics, which has given $600,000, and BetMGM, which contributed $500,000.

Currently, Nebraska only allows sports betting in person at licensed racetrack casinos. Supporters argue that legalizing mobile betting would prevent residents from traveling to neighboring states, such as Iowa, to place bets and would allow Nebraska to retain tax revenue. Under the proposed plan, mobile sportsbooks would operate through partnerships with licensed racetrack casinos.