Nebraska enacted a law to allow for retail sports betting in 2021. However, the lack of casino infrastructure in the state has prevented the full implementation of the law. With the WarHorse Casinos in Lincoln and Omaha not expected to open until 2023 and 2024 respectively, Nebraska residents are losing money to nearby states with legal sports betting, as well as to online sportsbooks outside of the state.
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission is currently working on rules and policies for sportsbook operators. However, a debate over permitting wagers on in-state collegiate athletics is complicating the process. As a result, Nebraska is struggling to join the growing list of states with legal sports betting.
This article will discuss the law and regulations, the impact of retail betting, and the online alternatives available to Nebraska residents.
Law and Regulations
The Nebraska sports betting bill, signed into law in 2021, focuses on retail sports betting and does not include provisions for online wagering, as the lack of casino infrastructure in the state has hindered the implementation of sports betting.
Currently, there is a temporary casino in Lincoln open, but it does not offer sports betting or table games. The construction of WarHorse Casinos in Lincoln and Omaha is expected to change the sports betting landscape in Nebraska, with a grand opening scheduled for 2024.
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission is in the process of approving rules and policies for sports betting at casinos. However, the long wait for sports betting in Nebraska is due to the requirement of in-person wagering and the lack of approved locations.
Additionally, there is an ongoing debate over permitting wagers on in-state collegiate athletics in Nebraska. Nebraska residents have the option to bet on sports through online sportsbooks located outside of the state, but the state is losing millions of dollars each month to nearby states with legal sports betting.
Retail Betting Impact
Retail betting is limited in Nebraska due to the lack of existing casino infrastructure. With the current temporary casino in Lincoln not offering any sports betting or table games, residents have to resort to online sportsbooks located outside of the state. The construction of the WarHorse Casinos in Lincoln and Omaha is expected to change the sports betting landscape in Nebraska.
The following are three impacts of the limited retail betting in Nebraska:
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Nebraska residents are losing money to nearby states with legal sports betting (Colorado, Iowa, South Dakota, and Kansas).
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The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission is in the process of approving rules and policies for sports betting at casinos.
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The lack of retail sportsbooks or approved casinos is delaying the implementation of sports betting.
Online Alternatives
| Online sportsbooks located outside of the state provide Nebraska residents with alternatives for betting on sports. While the state is in the process of constructing casino infrastructure, residents can bet on sports through online sportsbooks located outside of Nebraska. These online sportsbooks offer a variety of betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, game totals, and prop bets. | Betting Option | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Point Spreads | Bettors can wager on which team will win by more than the point spread. | |
| Moneylines | Bettors can bet on which team will outright win the event. | |
| Game Totals | Bettors can wager on the total combined number of points scored by both teams. | |
| Prop Bets | Bettors can wager on specific outcomes or events within a game. |
Online sportsbooks also provide attractive bonuses and promotions for new customers and existing players. These bonuses and promotions can include free bets, deposit bonuses, and other special offers. This allows Nebraska residents to bet on sports and take advantage of these offers while the state is still in the process of creating its own infrastructure.
