is sports betting legal in nebraska
Yes, retail sports betting has been legal in Nebraska since May of 2021, but it’s only at four locations and you still can’t legally wager on sports from a computer or mobile device within state lines. There has been recent legislation to approve online sports betting in the state, but several efforts have failed and now 2025 is a best case scenario for those wanting online sports wagering. If that change happens in Nebraska, we’ll update this page and give you all the information you need to get started placing your first bet. It’s worth noting that DFS contest sites like FanDuel do operate in the state (see below).
state quick facts
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Launch Date: Not Legalized
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Legal Betting Age: n/a
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Online Sports Betting: No
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Online Casino Sites: No
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Online Poker Sites: No
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Best Available Sportsbook: N/A
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Regulatory Body: American Gaming Association
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Legal online sportsbooks: 0
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College Sports Betting: No
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Political or entertainment betting: No
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High School sports Betting: No
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Esports betting: No
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NFL Draft: No
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Remote registration: No
timeline of betting legislation & latest news
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may 14, 2018
The U.S. Supreme Court lifts the federal ban on sports betting (by striking down PASPA), allowing individual states to legalize and create their own regulations.
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may 26, 2021
Retail sports betting is legalized in Nebraska after Governor Pete Ricketts signed LB 561.
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june 22, 2023
Nebraska accepts its first legal sports wager at WarHorse Casino in Lincoln.
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october 25, 2023
WarHorse Casino received approval to open a second location in Omaha. Once opened, it will be the state’s third retail sports betting location.
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november 6, 2023
Construction begins on a new casino, Fonner Park in Grand Island, which is set to open in 2025. Currently there’s a temporary casino in its place.
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august 14, 2024
A constitutional amendment, LR 3CA, was advanced by the general affairs committee. The measure would legalize online sports gambling, but requires 80% approval from lawmakers, and if that happened, it would go to Nebraska voters in the form of a ballot measure.
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august 16, 2024
A statement signed by 13 Nebraska senators was released expressing opposition to online sports betting. With only 49 state senators, those in opposition represented more than the 20% necessary to stop LR 3CA.
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august 21, 2024
The state’s special legislative session ended without updates to sports betting law, meaning that advocates for online sports wagering will need to wait until at least 2025 to see those changes.
USA Betting News
how to start betting in nebraska?
Right now there are only four retail locations in the entire state accepting sports wagers: WarHorse Casino (Lincoln), WarHorse Casino (Nebraska), Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s (Columbus), and the Grand Island Casino Resort (Grand Island). It’s worth noting that there are also five additional casinos located on Native American land that don’t currently offer retail sports betting. Because online sports wagering isn’t permitted in Nebraska, some locals are known to drive to border towns in Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming, or Kansas to legally wager from their phones.
It’s worth noting that Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contest sites do operate in the state because that form of entertainment isn’t technically considered sports betting.
Daily fantasy sports in nebraska?
Sports fans who are 19+ can play on DFS contest sites like Underdog Fantasy and Fanduel. That means you can’t bet on traditional point spreads and over/under on a sports betting app, but you’re still able to win prize money betting on the Chiefs or Royals players.
Home field advantage
Nebraska doesn’t have any professional sports franchises, but the Cornhusker state is still passionate about sports. The state hosts the College World Series and the Creighton Blue Jays baseball team at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha. The Kansas City Royals AAA affiliate, the Omaha Storm Chasers, play at Werner Park in Papillion, Nebraska. Of course, the Cornhuskers football and basketball programs get a lot of love in Nebraska as well. Lincoln and Omaha are both less than a three hour drive to Kansas City Missouri, so it’s common to see Chiefs and Royals fans in Nebraska too.
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NCAA – Nebraska Cornhuskers: Prior to the 2024 season, Nebraska’s football program hadn’t recorded a winning season for seven consecutive years. The Big Ten has been tough on Nebraska recently, but it recorded winning seasons eight times between 2008 and 2016. During the 2023-2024 men’s basketball season, the Cornhuskers ended a nine year drought of not qualifying for the March Madness Tournament.
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MLB – Kansas City Royals: With the Royals’ AAA affiliate, the Omaha Storm Chasers, being in the state and the Royals playing three hours away, it makes sense to see royal blue and white jerseys and hats throughout Nebraska. Nebraskans were glued to their televisions in 2015 when the Royals unexpectedly won the World Series and again in 2024 when the Royals made the playoffs before falling short in the ALDS.
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NFL – Kansas City Chiefs: Chiefs Kingdom extends out to Nebraska and they’ve been treated to a lot of success lately. Of course it helps having a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes who is widely regarded as the NFL’s best player. Thanks to Mahomes and Chiefs coach Andy Reid, Kansas City has won the last two Super Bowls and they’re hoping to finish off the elusive 3-Peat this season. The Chiefs have had several iconic players over the years including Marcus Allen and Derrick Thomas.
The Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling’s website features several resources including a 24-hour helpline for those in need (1-833-BETOVER) and contact information for local counselors. The website also has a blog and separate section for friends and family members of individuals struggling with problem gambling behavior.