Attempts to legalize online sports betting in Nebraska are once again back on the table as two bills (LB 421 and LR 20CA) carried over from last year.
Sponsors are now seeking support in the new session, which began Wednesday (January 7). If either are approved, Nebraskans could see legal sports betting apps in 2027.
Here's how both bills stand up.
LB 421 Amending State Law
LB 421, introduced by Sen. Stanley Clouse, proposes amending the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act to establish online sports betting regulations and set a 20% tax rate. That tax rate is the same for the state's retail sportsbooks, which have been in operation since 2023.
Per the legislation, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission would regulate online sports betting.
The bill also seeks to end the current ban on wagering on in-state collegiate teams when they're playing in-state.
LB 421 was last acted upon in March 2025, when the General Affairs Committee held a hearing, though the bill failed to advance any further.
LR 20CA Establishing a Referendum
Sen. Eliot Bostar's LR 20CA looks to launch online sportsbooks in partnership with the state's racetracks. This bill would seek a November referendum to allow Nebraska voters to choose if they want online sports betting.
LR 20CA was the most promising of the two as it passed the first of three Senate floor votes, but Bostar withdrew the bill after ascertaining it lacked necessary votes to overcome any additional hurdles, like a filibuster.
Potential Third Route?
A potential third option to legalize online sports betting in Nebraska could come through the collection of voter signatures to establish a petition.
This is the same route that Missouri took in 2024, which ultimately resulted in legalized sports betting in Missouri going live in December 2025.
Any such petition in Nebraska would require at least 10% of registered voters (and at least 5% of voters in 38 of the state's 93 counties) to appear on a ballot.
If this method were to follow similar suit as Missouri, online sportsbooks and sports betting promos could go online sometime in 2027.
That being said, there are several ways to see online sportsbooks like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and more in Nebraska over the next year or so.
