Legal Online Sports Betting in Nebraska Update
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- Category: Gambling Industry
- Created: Monday, 15 July 2024 11:31
Sports Betting in Nebraska has been legal since 2021. However, it is only available for in-person sports betting at retail sportsbooks. Thus, sports betting in the Husker state is very limited and gaming officials in Nebraska want to change that. According to the latest Legal Online Sports Betting in Nebraska Update, there might be a chance that it will happen in 2025.
A coalition of licensed operators in Nebraska has urged Gov. Jim Pillen and state legislators to engage in discussions regarding a proposed online sports betting bill. The bill has the potential to generate an extra $30 million in annual revenue, which could be allocated towards property tax relief.
Ho Chunk Inc., the parent company of WarHorse Gaming, is also calling on lawmakers to deliberate on legislation that would authorize a constitutional amendment during a special session scheduled for July 25th.
Furthermore, several lawmakers in Nebraska agree that online sports betting is worth considering. State Senator Terrell McKinney (D-North Omaha), among the mere 15 Democrats in the 49-seat Legislature, concurs with certain legislators in the Republican-controlled unicameral chamber agrees.
According to an interview with KETV, he said “We’re missing out because we want to be the ‘nanny state’.”
Nebraska Gaming Officials Want Online Betting for Property Tax Relief
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has been trying to cut property taxes in half as part of his tax relief initiative. However, he would need to generate around $1.8 billion in revenue. While he is not a fan of having more gambling options for Nebraskans, online sports betting might just be the answer he needs to ease property taxes.
Pillen is dedicated to alleviating property tax burdens and has urged the Legislature to reconvene in Lincoln to explore ways to achieve this objective. Despite his personal opposition, he has stated that he will support online sports betting if it is deemed to be in the best interests of the state and consumers.
Lance Morgan from Ho Chunk Inc., the company that runs War Horse Casinos, stated that 65% of Nebraskans are in favor of online sports betting.
"It is an additional source of revenue, not a redistribution of taxes. Therefore, we believe it is a feasible solution. We have suggested that this should be included in the agenda for the upcoming special session."
Legal Online Sports Betting in Nebraska Update – Getting on the Ballot
The countdown has begun for Nebraska's online sports betting as the state legislature convenes for a special session. The decision made during this session will shape the landscape of online sports betting in Nebraska for the next two years.
Therefore, it is crucial to push for the sports betting issue to be included on the November ballot in order to kickstart the market promptly. If it becomes successful, smaller operations could then use a pay per head solution to offer online sports betting almost immediately. For those who do not know what is pay per head, it is a turnkey solution that allows sportsbooks to operate a betting site almost immediately.
Failure to do so will delay the process until the next opportunity arises during the November 26 election. Without online sports betting in Nebraska, there is a risk of losing potential revenue to neighboring states like Iowa, Colorado, and Kansas, which already offer statewide mobile sports betting. It is imperative to act swiftly to prevent Nebraska tax dollars from flowing into these markets.
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