Sports Betting Bill Withdrawn From Nebraska Legislature

Residents in the Cornhusker State will have to wait another year to legally wager on sports. 

Nebraska Senator Eliot Bostar has withdrawn bill LR 20CA from the state legislature. The proposal would have put sports betting on the 2026 ballot, but proponents didn’t believe they had the votes to turn it into law. The bill won’t be considered before the end of the current legislative session, but could return for review during the next.

Based on previous votes, the bill was three votes short of meeting the minimum threshold for passage.

Bill Would Have Boosted Revenue for Schools

One of the biggest arguments from sports betting proponents is the money that a regulated sports betting can bring in. LR 20CA was projected to raise over $30 million in annual tax revenue. The bulk of that revenue would have been directed to the state’s education system.

Many states have chosen to use tax revenue from the industry to fund their school systems, with impressive results. This benefit has been championed by the bill’s supporters, who believe many residents are already betting on sports using offshore books. 

Filibuster Emerged Ahead of Vote

One roadblock leading to the LR 20CA being withdrawn was a four-hour filibuster on the Senate floor. Opponents used that time to speak about the dangers of expanding gambling in the state. They detailed stories of problem gambling and the devastating impact on the lives of those affected.

The filibuster’s formation made securing three more votes far more complicated, leading to Sen. Bostar's withdrawal of the bill. Now, the focus will be on convincing at least three of his fellow Senators to support the industry before the next session begins.

Will Public Pressure Sway Lawmakers?

While opposition to sports betting in Nebraska remains strong, the margin needed to get the topic on the ballot is small. That would work in the proponents' favor with the 2026 midterm elections coming up fast.

Nebraskans voted to expand gambling in 202 when they voted to allow casinos in the state. Those locations are permitted to offer casino games and sports betting, but remain unable to provide a mobile app. Lawmakers facing re-election will likely face pressure over sports betting. 

The bill’s failure could also lead to an effort from private groups. Missouri recently legalized sports betting after sportsbooks and the state’s pro sports teams partnered to create a ballot initiative. That cut the state legislature out of the process, sending a warning to lawmakers across the nation. 

If rumblings of a similar effort begin to surface in Nebraska, it could be enough for proponents to get the three votes they need.