Sports betting is still illegal in Nebraska. But, you can expect to see legislation introduced in the state legislature to legalize gambling on sports at the beginning of the 2020 legislative session, something we discussed in greater detail on our dedicated Nebraska gambling page. Several state senators and gambling interest groups have already expressed a strong desire to push for legalized sports betting in Nebraska, but because gambling is illegal under Nebraska’s Constitution, Nebraska voters would have to approve a Constitutional Amendment legalizing sports betting.

Gambling Laws in Nebraska

Nebraska’s gambling laws are fairly restrictive, allowing a few forms of regulated betting entertainment to exist in the state. You will find class I and II games at the three tribal casinos in Nebraska. In addition, a state lottery and pari-mutuel wagering are permitted, however most wagering is done on simulcast events, including games of skill such as darts. The state does operate the Nebraska Lottery, although participation in their games is among the lowest in the nation. Charitable gambling is also allowed to take place as long as regulatory requirements are met and games permitted in this include bingo, raffles, keno, pickle cards and casino nights. Legal offshore betting could be a nice compliment to the existing state regulated gambling opportunities offered in the Cornhusker State.

Most Popular Sports in Nebraska

There are no major league professional sports teams in Nebraska. Minor league baseball’s Omaha Golden Spikes play in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. Other than professional sports, the most popular spectator sport is college football. Other sports activities such as equestrian activities, including racing and rodeos, are also popular. Major annual sporting events in the state are the NCAA College Baseball World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium and the River City Roundup and Rodeo, both held in Omaha. In addition, Pari-mutuel racing is licensed by the state. Regardless of the lack of major league professional sports teams, Sports in Omaha, Nebraska are supported by a high attendance at events and tax support from the City of Omaha. This is because the city has hosted a number of important sporting events from early 1950s onwards.

Minor League Baseball– Omaha Storm Chasers

The Omaha Storm Chasers are a Minor League Baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (PCL) and the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. They are located in Papillion, Nebraska, a suburb southwest of Omaha, and play their home games at Werner Park. The team has been the only Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals since their inception in the 1969 Major League Baseball expansion. Omaha has won seven league championships. Most recently, they won back-to-back PCL championships in 2013 and 2014. They previously won the PCL title in 2011. They also won the American Association championship in 1969, 1970, 1978, and 1990. Furthermore, they went on to win the Triple-A Classic in 1990 and the Triple-A National Championship Game in 2013 and 2014. In 2016, Forbes listed the Storm Chasers as the 29th-most valuable Minor League Baseball team with a value of $27 million.

Indoor Football League – Nebraska Danger

The Nebraska Danger is a professional indoor football team based in Grand Island, Nebraska. They are a member of the Indoor Football League (IFL). After being founded in 2011, The Nebraska Danger has been the most successful of all of Nebraska’s indoor football teams with its multiple conference championships. In 2011 and 2012, the Nebraska Danger was selected as having the IFL’s Best Fans. In 2013, The Nebraska Danger were named IFL Franchise of the Year. In just their third year of competition, the team made it to the league championship in 2013. The team is also known for its community involvement and social work, (popularly titled as “Danger-us”), for local schools and charities in Nebraska

United Premiere Soccer League – Nebraska Bugeaters

Based out of Omaha Nebraska, the Bugeaters FC are a semi-pro soccer team. The club’s name is homage to the old nickname of native born Nebraskans as “Bugeaters. It is said that there was a plague and the grasshoppers ate all of the crops and Nebraskans only had bugs to eat. The Bugeaters FC TEAM was announced as a United Premier Soccer League expansion team on December 12, 2017 and the club was founded by Nebraska native Jonathan Collura. Most recently, they were in the news for announcing a development partnership with the Huddersfield Town which they envision to be a mutually beneficial partnership that can offer Town’s Academy’s scholars a path into football and education in top universities and sports teams.

US Hockey League – Lincoln Stars

The Lincoln Stars are a Tier I junior ice hockey team playing in the United States Hockey League (USHL). The Stars hold a 40–13–1 regular season record in USHL, which is considered as the best expansion season in the league’s history. The Stars continued their domination in their winning of the Clark Cup. The team and its game were so popular that every game was sold out at the 4,231-seat Ice Box when they played in the finals. In fact, the Stars have sold out every home game until early 2002. Notable Stars alumni includes Brandon Bochenski (Tampa Bay Lightning), Andy Schneider (Pittsburgh Penguins organization), David Backes (Boston Bruins), Josh Langfeld (San Jose Sharks), and Jared Boll (Columbus Blue Jackets).

History of Sports Betting in Nebraska

Nebraska has an exciting history when it comes to gambling. Ever since Omaha was incorporated back in the 1800s, it’s been known as a hotbed for illegal gambling, prostitution, and other illicit activities. Enter the 1900s, and the same vice industries were still prominent. Some semblance of law came to gamblers in Nebraska during the 1930s. In 1934, pari-mutuel wagering was implemented for the growing horse racing scene. In 1958, the Nebraska constitution was amended to include bingo games. In 1967, the constitution was re amended to regulate raffles, lotteries and gift prizes for charitable purposes and in 1988, one last amendment to the constitution was made, to permit the simulcasting of horse races. In 1992, State lottery was first introduced to Nebraska. The Ohiya casino opened up in 2011 and offered gamblers a plethora of slot machines, about 400 in total.

Legal Online Sports Betting Age in Nebraska

Nebraska adheres to a range of legal gambling ages (i.e. a casino gambling age limit of 21, a state lottery age limit of 19, and 18 years-of-age for all other forms of legal gambling). Nebraska does not permit sports betting currently and there is no pending legislation to alter the current stance.

• Sports Betting Age
  Legal gambling ages are set at 21 years of age for casinos, 19 years of age for state lottery and 18 years of age for all other forms of legal gambling
• Alcohol Age
  The legal drinking age is 21 in Nebraska.
• Weed Age
  In the state of Nebraska, cannabis is illegal for all purposes

Is Online Sports Betting Legal Outside of the State?

The traditional Nebraska sports betting is not welcomed within the state’s borders. The state does not license, authorize, or manage any sportsbook or sports betting enterprise. While state regulated opportunities to bet online on sports do not exist, Nebraska residents can still legally access legitimate sportsbook gambling options without the worry that they are violating any US or state gambling laws by simply knowing where to place the bets. State and federal laws do not reach beyond the borders of their jurisdiction, hence international sportsbooks that possess legitimate credentials for being licensed, compliance certified and regulated can legally offer their services to gamblers around the world, including those in Nebraska. Take a look at what the neighboring states have in stock, such as with Iowa Sports Betting.

Taxes on Your Winnings: Do You Have to Pay Anything?

Nebraska has a 5% state taxon gambling winnings. Large gambling wins over $600 in the state of Nebraska may possibly attract an additional Federal Tax.

Upcoming Regulation Changes in Nebraska Sports Betting Law

Currently there is no pending legislation to alter the current stance on online sports betting. However, sports betting in Nebraska can change in the future. The state legislation can allow for it to be allowed and regulated despite PASPA, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. Nebraska will have to wait until next year 2020 at the earliest to discuss potential legislation that may be tabled.

Sports Betting Guides for Nearby States

• Kansas
• Iowa
• Colorado
• South Dakota