LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska could be on the verge of a major shift in its gambling landscape as state leaders and citizen groups push to let voters decide on mobile sports betting in the 2026 election.
After a legislative proposal stalled earlier this year, advocates have turned to a citizen-led initiative to bypass the roadblocks in the Nebraska Legislature. The effort would allow licensed racetracks to offer sports betting through mobile platforms, giving residents a legal way to place wagers from anywhere in the state.
State Senator Eliot Bostar, who introduced the original resolution, emphasized that Nebraskans’ interest in sports wagering is growing. “The landscape is changing. If residents want to bet legally and safely here in Nebraska, we need to give them that option,” he said.
Supporters of the ballot initiative include gaming organizations such as the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and WarHorse Gaming. They are collecting thousands of signatures required to qualify the measure for the ballot. If successful, the move could bring a new revenue stream to the state, potentially funding property tax relief or other public programs.
Opponents, however, warn about the potential social and economic impacts of expanding gambling. Critics cite concerns ranging from addiction risks to the effect on local communities. Lawmakers have also expressed hesitation about how online sports betting could be regulated effectively.
If Nebraskans vote in favor, mobile sports betting could launch as early as 2027, marking a significant expansion from the current in-person wagering allowed at racetracks. With this initiative, Nebraska joins a growing number of states reconsidering how to adapt gambling laws to modern technology and consumer habits.
As signature collection continues and debates unfold, Nebraska residents may soon face a historic decision about the future of sports betting in their state.