Nebraska legislature hears proposals for online sports betting as way to reduce property taxes

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 8:32 PM
  • Fred Knapp, Nebraska Public Media

Proposals to allow online sports betting from anywhere in Nebraska, and to allow the Legislature to ask voters to legalize it this November, were heard Wednesday during the Legislature’s special session.

Nebraska currently allows sports betting, but only at casinos located at the state’s horseracing tracks. Sen. Eliot Bostar wants to expand that, sponsoring a constitutional amendment to allow mobile online sports betting anywhere. Bostar told a public hearing of the General Affairs Committee that Nebraska is missing out.

“Nebraska is currently missing out on a $1.6 billion state industry and $32 million in annual tax revenue, which instead goes to neighboring states like Iowa, Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming,” Bostar said.