Nebraska Sports Betting Laws: What You Need to Know About Online Wagering

3 minute read

By Thomas Sullivan

Understanding the Legal Status of Sports Betting in Nebraska

The landscape of sports betting in Nebraska has evolved significantly in recent years, but as of August 2025, it’s important for residents and visitors to understand exactly what is legal and what remains prohibited. While retail sports betting-meaning in-person wagering at licensed casinos-is legal and available at select locations in the state, online sports betting is not yet permitted under Nebraska law [1] [3] [4] . This distinction affects how and where you can lawfully place bets on sporting events.

A Brief History: How Sports Betting Became Legal in Nebraska

In May 2021, Governor Pete Ricketts signed LB 561 into law, which officially legalized retail-only sports betting at licensed racetrack casinos. The first sportsbooks opened their doors in June 2023, marking a milestone for the state’s gaming industry [1] . However, the legislation explicitly excluded online sports wagering, meaning that Nebraskans cannot legally place sports bets from their phones or computers while within state borders [3] [4] .

Where Can You Bet on Sports in Nebraska?

Currently, there are four retail locations in Nebraska where you can place legal sports bets in person. These include WarHorse Casino in Lincoln, WarHorse Casino in Omaha, Grand Island Casino Resort, and Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s Columbus. Each location requires patrons to be physically present to place bets; online and mobile options are not yet authorized [3] [1] .

To bet in person, you will need to:

It’s important to check with each casino for the most up-to-date hours and available betting options before planning your visit.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Nebraska?

Online sports betting remains illegal in Nebraska as of August 2025 [4] [3] [1] . While there have been legislative efforts to change this-most notably, constitutional amendment LR 20CA and related bills-no law has yet been passed to allow digital or mobile wagering in the state [2] .

In March 2025, the Nebraska legislature advanced LR 20CA to the Senate floor, which could eventually bring the question of online sports betting to voters in a statewide ballot in November 2026 [2] . This means that, at the earliest, legal online sports betting could arrive in Nebraska in late 2026 or beyond-if the necessary legislative and public approval hurdles are cleared.

Until a new law is enacted, Nebraskans cannot legally use online sportsbooks or mobile betting apps within the state’s borders. Be wary of unlicensed offshore sites, as these are not regulated by Nebraska authorities and do not offer consumer protections.

What About Daily Fantasy Sports and Other Forms of Online Gaming?

While traditional online sports betting is not legal, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel do operate in Nebraska. These platforms allow players to draft fantasy sports teams and compete for cash prizes, but their legal status is not explicitly defined in state law. As a result, participation is generally allowed, though it’s always wise to review the terms and conditions of each platform and check for any updates in state regulations [4] [5] .

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Other forms of online gambling-including online casinos, online poker, and digital slot machines-are not legal in Nebraska. The state does allow in-person gambling at tribal casinos and racetrack casinos, and the state lottery remains available for those interested in lottery-style games [5] .

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Legislative Efforts to Legalize Online Sports Betting

Efforts to legalize online sports betting in Nebraska have gained momentum in recent legislative sessions. LR 20CA and other proposals, championed by Senator Eliot Bostar in 2024 and 2025, are designed to modernize the state’s gambling laws and generate new tax revenue for property tax relief. Proponents argue that legalizing mobile sports betting could bring an estimated $32 million annually to the state’s coffers [1] [2] .

However, concerns remain among lawmakers about the potential for increased gambling addiction and the social impact of expanded betting. As a result, the Nebraska legislature has postponed further discussion on these proposals until January 2025, with the possibility that the public will be asked to decide the issue in a 2026 statewide referendum [2] [1] .

How to Stay Informed and Bet Legally

If you are interested in betting on sports in Nebraska, it is recommended to:

For those interested in fantasy sports, you can sign up with DFS providers by visiting their official websites, but always review their terms and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Alternatives and Next Steps for Nebraska Bettors

Until online sports betting becomes legal, your primary options for legal wagering are:

For the most up-to-date information on legislative developments, you can search for “Nebraska sports betting news” or “Nebraska online gambling laws” using major news outlets or the official Nebraska Legislature resources.

Key Takeaways

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Contributor

Thomas Sullivan is a passionate writer with a keen eye for uncovering emerging trends and thought-provoking discussions. With a background in journalism and digital media, she has spent years crafting compelling content that informs and engages readers. Her expertise spans a variety of topics, from culture and technology to business and social movements, always delivering insightful perspectives with clarity and depth. When she's not writing, Tessa enjoys exploring new coffee shops, reading historical fiction, and hiking scenic trails in search of inspiration.