The Nebraska legislature will not advance a mobile sportsbook legalization referendum for the 2026 ballot, a major blow to bringing regulated online sports betting platforms to the state.
State Sen. Eliot Bostar pulled the proposal Wednesday after it was clear on the unicameral legislature’s floor there were not enough votes to pass the measure. Nebraska law requires 30 of the 49 members to vote “yes” to place a measure before voters on the ballot. Opponents employed a filibuster Wednesday, which increased that threshold to 33 votes to overturn it and allow for the vote.
The measure had advanced 27-16 (with six senators absent or not voting) earlier this month.
