Nebraska Retail Sports Betting Approved, Heads to Governor

Nebraska’s sports betting future is now in the hands of Gov. Pete Ricketts.

On Thursday, the state’s legislators voted to approve gaming bills that would permit retail sports wagering in Nebraska. Online sports betting  was taken out of the legislation last week, as was wagering on state college teams.

LB 561 sets up a framework to provide regulation and the enforcement of sports betting and other gambling activities at licensed racetrack enclosures. The bill passed overwhelmingly with a vote of 44-3-2. A companion bill, LB 561A, also easily passed, 44-2-3. Emergency clauses were attached to LB 561, meaning once it’s approved, the application process can begin and the Nebraska Gaming Commission is able to work on setting regulations.

The bills now head to Ricketts for approval. He has until June 2 to sign them, and in the event he vetoes them, the state’s legislature can override his decision the next day. The session ends June 10.

In November, Colorado, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, South Dakota and Virginia had gaming measures on the ballot and all passed.

Maryland gambling online and South Dakota gambling have been approved in terms of sports betting legislation and were signed into law. Now, another state is considering legislation—as Louisiana online sports betting could soon become a reality. 

Virginia voters in four cities approved casinos.

Gov. Ricketts Against Gambling

If Ricketts recent stance on gambling hasn’t changed, the state might need to override his veto if sports betting sites are going to be legalized in Nebraska.

When gambling expansion was set to be on the ballot in November, Ricketts was one of the opponents who spoke out against the issue. He stated Nebraskans are generally prudent, fiscally responsible and take care of their families, while noting, “casino gambling is opposed to all of those values.”

Ricketts used high-profile cases as examples against gambling. He mentioned how Sen. Brenda Council used campaign money to gamble at casinos, and brought up how a Lincoln pharmacist was sentenced to prison for defrauding the Medicaid system out of $14.4 million so he could use the money to gamble.

“We already fight gambling addiction here in our state,” he said. “This will make it so much worse.”

Ricketts has also been outspoken on the issue in his weekly columns. On Aug. 10, 2020, he released a column titled “Gambling with Nebraska: A Losing Bet.” Ricketts highlighted the effects of problem gambling and the impact it can have on individuals.

“Over the years, Nebraska has decided against allowing casino gambling in the Good Life — and for good reason,” he wrote. “Gambling can ruin families, hurt communities, and pile on new costs to the state. By keeping Nebraska casino-free, our state has minimized the social harms associated with problem gambling. In fact, research shows that Nebraska ranks as the fourth-least gambling-addicted state in America.”

No Betting on In-State Games

Due to a new measure added last week, Nebraska residents will not be able to bet on the in-state college teams. This includes well-known programs such as the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Creighton Bluejays.

Sen. Steve Lathrop saw the ban as part of a compromise in order to see the bill pass.

“You may not like it, but in the end, we need to get the bill across the finish line,” he said.

Opponents pointed toward the loss of potential revenue with Nebraskans not able to bet on their local teams. They mentioned how residents could travel to Iowa where wagering on Huskers’ home games is legal, or look towards offshore books to place bets.

“This is activity that is already occurring,” Sen. Adam Morfeld said of the in-state ban. “What we are basically saying is, ‘Yes, you can drive to Iowa on game day, place your bet, and then go to the Husker game. It makes no sense whatsoever. It is literally just puritanical nonsense.”

The amendment was added with a 31-4 vote.