Nebraska Sports Betting Referendum Set for November

Two initiatives to legalize online betting were officially submitted to the November 3 general election ballot, meaning Nebraska voters will have the opportunity to decide this fall if they want the state to expand sports betting to the internet. Nebraska Vote Could Let Racetrack Casinos Enter Online Betting The Nebraska Secretary of State’s office certified the petitions after determining they had the required number of signatures. The measures are intended to work together, one trying to change the state Constitution and the other creating the legal framework needed to regulate online sportsbooks. The constitutional initiative required 138,473 valid signatures, or 10% of Nebraska’s registered voters and the required county-level threshold. The regulatory initiative’s statewide requirement was lower — 96,918 signatures. The certification comes amid concerns over the authenticity of some signatures. Previously, more than 13,000 Lancaster County petitions had been flagged for potential irregularities. Though concerned, state officials determined the measures had received sufficient valid support to qualify for the ballot, reported Covers. If both questions pass, Nebraska’s existing racetrack casinos could offer online sports betting themselves, or partner with sportsbook operators. Each casino would reportedly be allowed to partner with up to two online betting platforms. Nebraska Online Sports Betting Could Generate $87M in Five Years Tax revenues are expected to be a big part of the campaign to back the proposals. Tax Relief Nebraska, the group behind the initiatives, says mobile wagering entering the regulated market would keep betting activity and the economic benefits from it in the state. A study commissioned by the group projected as much as $87 million in tax revenue from online sports betting in the first five years. Under the framework being considered, most of the state’s proceeds would go to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund, which could provide additional relief to homeowners. Big gambling firms have also poured money into the campaign. Both DraftKings and FanDuel have invested millions into the effort, while BetMGM and WarHorse Gaming have also backed the push. Supporters say the large number of Nebraskans who already travel out of state to place mobile wagers shows demand. Meanwhile, opponents have raised concerns about gambling-related harm and the possible effects of easier access to betting. The measures would bar betting on games involving Nebraska college teams. That restriction would remain if online sports gambling is approved. State officials will hold public hearings and give voters information about the proposals before the election. If both pass, the Nebraska Gaming and Racing Commission will then develop the rules for the new market.