Online Sports Betting Push Gains Momentum in Nebraska with Major Players and Public Input
Nebraska is witnessing a significant move in the online sports betting industry, with key players like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars exploring a constitutional amendment for online sports betting. Partnering with Ho-Chunk Inc., these industry giants are actively gathering public opinion data to gauge interest and support for this initiative. This effort aims to bring the question of legalizing online gambling to Nebraska residents in a November ballot.
Potential for State Revenue through Expanded Sports Betting
Currently, Nebraska permits sports betting, but it’s restricted to in-person activities at designated casinos, with WarHorse Gaming in Lincoln and Omaha being a notable provider. The goal is to extend sports betting accessibility, making it more convenient by enabling it online.
Lance Morgan, Ho-Chunk’s CEO, is optimistic about public support for online sports gambling, which could catalyze legislative action. Despite not disclosing early polling results, Morgan highlighted the growing preference for mobile betting over physical travel to casinos, reflecting a natural progression in the gambling industry.
The coalition anticipates that online sports betting could significantly boost state revenue, estimating the industry’s annual worth at $1.5 billion, with Nebraska potentially earning 20% of this.
Challenges Ahead for Legalizing Online Gambling
The path to legalization is not without hurdles. With the Nebraska legislative session closed for new legislation introductions in 2024, the coalition might have to rely on a petition drive. This drive requires collecting over 120,000 valid signatures by July 2024 to bring online sports gambling to the November ballot.
Organizing a petition drive is a costly affair, potentially reaching around $1 million, not including additional expenses like advertising, legal fees, and petition management. The coalition also faces opposition from groups like Gambling With the Good Life, led by Pat Loontjer, who has historically opposed gambling expansion in Nebraska.
As the situation unfolds, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission remains neutral but is preparing for possible changes depending on the voters’ decision in November.
