H2: Nebraska Legal Sports Betting Overview
H3: Nebraska Sports Betting Law Details
Nebraska has made significant progress in the legalization of sports betting. Governor Pete Ricketts signed LB 561 on May 27, 2021, thereby legalizing retail sports betting in the state. This bill grants horse racetracks the opportunity to open casinos and operate retail sportsbooks within their premises. However, as the construction of these casinos is still underway, retail sports betting has not been launched yet in Nebraska. It is important to note that online sports betting is not currently legal in the state. Despite Senator Justin Wayne’s efforts to pass bills supporting online sports betting, these provisions were removed from LB 561 in order to ensure its passage. This means that Nebraska residents will have to wait until 2023, at the earliest, for online sports betting options to become available.
H3: Nebraska Online Sportsbooks Summary
As of now, LB 561 does not include provisions for online sports betting. This means that online sports betting remains illegal in Nebraska. However, neighboring states such as Colorado, Iowa, and Wyoming have legalized online sportsbooks. Residents of Nebraska can visit these states to access online sports betting platforms offered by renowned operators like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings. Additionally, daily fantasy sports (DFS) games are a popular option in Nebraska, with platforms such as ESPN, Boom, Yahoo!, FantasyDraft, DraftKings, and FanDuel available for residents to enjoy. Another online betting option in Nebraska is wagering on horse races through advance deposit wagering sites.
H2: How to Place a Bet in Nebraska
H3: Steps to Place a Bet on Horse Racing
While retail sports betting is yet to be launched in Nebraska, residents can already place legal wagers on horse racing online. The following steps guide you through the process:
1. Research the Horse Race: Before placing a bet, it is crucial to gather information about the horses and jockeys involved in the race. Understanding the form and performance history of the contenders can improve your chances of making successful wagers.
2. Choose a Horse Racing Betting Site: Several options are available for online horse racing betting, such as TwinSpires and TVG. Select a platform that suits your preferences in terms of user experience, available races, and betting options.
3. Create an Account: To access the horse racing betting site, you need to create an account. Provide your full name, address, date of birth, email, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This information is necessary to verify your age and prevent fraud or underage gambling.
4. Deposit Funds: Visit the cashier section of the betting site and choose a deposit method. Options include bank cards like Visa and Mastercard, e-wallets like PayPal, or even a PayNearMe card that can be topped up at participating retailers. Ensure that you meet any minimum deposit requirements for welcome bonuses.
5. Place Your Bet: Find the race you want to bet on and select a horse. Add the desired wager to your bet slip, choose your stake, and confirm the bet. If your bet is successful, you can later withdraw any winnings following the instructions provided in the cashier section of the betting site.
H2: Banking Methods Available in Nebraska
H3: Payment Options for Nebraska Online Betting
When it comes to online horse racing betting in Nebraska, several banking methods are available to facilitate convenient transactions. These include:
– Bank Cards: Major credit and debit cards like Visa and Mastercard can be used for deposits and withdrawals. It is important to note that American Express cards are typically not accepted for online gambling transactions.
– E-Wallets: E-wallets like PayPal are widely accepted by online horse racing betting sites in Nebraska. PayPal provides a secure and efficient way to manage your funds.
– PayNearMe: Some betting sites may offer the option to deposit funds using a PayNearMe card. These cards can be topped up at participating retailers like CVS and Walmart.
– Play+ Prepaid Card: The Play+ prepaid card is a popular option that will likely be available for online sports betting once it launches in Nebraska. This convenient card allows users to load funds and use them for betting purposes.
– Cash Deposits: Once retail sportsbooks are operational, Nebraskans will have the option to place bets with cash at these locations. This provides a traditional and straightforward method of funding your sports wagers.
H2: Who is Eligible to Bet in NE?
H3: Age and Eligibility Requirements for Sports Betting in Nebraska
As retail sports betting launches in Nebraska, it is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria for placing bets. The following individuals will be eligible:
– Age Requirement: To bet at retail sportsbooks in Nebraska, you must be at least 21 years old. A valid photo identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport, will be required to prove your age.
The following individuals will be prohibited from placing sports bets:
– Professional or Collegiate Sports Team Members: Players, coaches, or any personnel affiliated with professional or collegiate sports teams are not allowed to place sports bets.
– Professional Sports Team Owners: Individuals with an ownership stake in a professional sports team are prohibited from betting on sports.
– Referees: Referees involved in any professional or college sports leagues are not allowed to place sports bets.
– Gaming Commission Employees: Individuals employed by organizations licensed by the Nebraska Gaming Commission, including owners, directors, officers, and key stakeholders, are prohibited from betting.
– League Employees: Individuals employed by leagues that create rules for sports, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, are not permitted to engage in sports betting.
– Individuals with Influence: Individuals with professional authority and the capacity to influence players are not eligible to bet on sports.
– Access to Non-Public Information: Individuals with access to non-public information about a sports team, such as player medical records, are not allowed to place bets based on that information.
– Voluntary Exclusion: Individuals who have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities, such as through a self-exclusion program, cannot bet on sports.
– Prohibited Individuals: Individuals prohibited from betting on a state or federal level, such as due to a criminal history, are not allowed to participate in sports betting.
H2: Latest Nebraska Sports Betting Updates
H3: Current Sports Betting Status in Nebraska
As of now, retail sports betting has been legalized in Nebraska; however, no specific launch date has been set. The Nebraska Gaming Commission is working toward the introduction of sports betting in the state. Online sports betting remains illegal, but Nebraskans can participate in daily fantasy sports (DFS) games or bet on horse racing online.
H3: Timeline for Sports Betting in Nebraska
– June 10, 2022: Warhorse Gaming, a joint venture between the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (NHBPA) and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, is awarded a provisional gaming license. This paves the way for the development of new racetracks and casinos in the state.
– July 2, 2021: AG Park signs an agreement with Caesars Entertainment. This partnership will lead to the establishment of a Harrah’s casino at the racetrack, along with a Caesars sportsbook.
– May 27, 2021: Governor Ricketts signs LB 561 into law, legalizing retail sports betting in Nebraska.
– May 20, 2021: LB 561 passes the House and the Senate with an Emergency Clause 44-3-2. The bill initially aimed to legalize online and in-state college sports betting, but these provisions were removed for the bill’s successful passage.
– April 9, 2021: Fonner Park announces its partnership with Elite Casino Resorts to build an on-site casino that will house a sportsbook. Fonner Park is one of the six racinos set to be built in Nebraska.
– January 19, 2021: Senator Tom Briese introduces LB 561 to legalize retail sports betting and casinos in Nebraska. This follows the approval from a public vote in November 2020.
– November 20, 2020: The November ballot sees Nebraskans vote in favor of land-based casinos and retail sports betting, leading to the passing of LB 561 in the following year.
– August 13, 2020: Several bills, including LR 295, LB 971, and LB 990, fail to gain support in the General Affairs Committee.
– July 2, 2020: Initiative 430, which aims to legalize games of chance at horse racetracks, collects enough signatures to be included on the ballot.
– January 14, 2020: Senator Wayne introduces LB 990 to legalize sports betting as a game of chance, along with poker and daily fantasy sports (DFS). LB 990 is referred to the General Affairs Committee.
– January 13, 2020: Senator Wayne introduces LB 971, which aims to legalize sports betting as a part of the state lottery. LR 295 is also introduced to legalize and tax games of chance, including sports betting. Both bills are referred to the General Affairs Committee.
– May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), granting states the authority to legalize sports betting.
H3: Nebraska Sports Betting Background
Nebraska has a longstanding tradition of horse racing, with pari-mutuel wagering being legalized in 1934. After the PASPA decision, Senator Wayne led efforts to legalize sports betting in Nebraska, particularly in 2020. Despite introducing three different sports betting bills, none of them gained enough support to pass. However, sufficient public support was garnered to include games of chance in the November 2020 ballot. The people of Nebraska voted in favor of land-based casinos and retail sports betting, leading to the passing of LB 561 in 2021, thereby legalizing retail sports betting.
H3: Future of Nebraska Sports Betting
The launch of retail sportsbooks holds the key to the future of sports betting in Nebraska. These retail sportsbooks will be operated at commercial land-based casinos, which are currently under construction. While there is no specific deadline for these casinos to open, renowned operators such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, and Caesars Sportsbook have expressed interest in partnering with Nebraska’s racetracks to launch sportsbooks and casinos. Online sports betting, however, remains illegal at present, and further attempts to legalize it are unlikely to be made until 2023.
H2: Nebraska Sports Betting Locations
H3: Eligible Locations for Sports Betting in Nebraska
According to the terms of LB 561, only horse racetracks are eligible to launch sports betting in Nebraska. The construction of new racinos, which will include casinos and sportsbooks, is currently underway. The following locations are eligible for retail sportsbooks:
– AG Park: Located at 822 15th Street, Columbus, NE 68601. Contact: (402) 564-0133.
– Atokad Downs: Located at 1542 Atokad Drive, South Sioux City, NE 68776. Contact: (402) 494-5722.
– Fonner Park: Located at 700 E. Stolley Park Road, Grand Island, NE 68801. Contact: (308) 382-4515.
– Hastings Expositions & Racing: Located at 947 S. Baltimore Avenue, Hastings, NE 68901. Contact: (402) 463-0230.
– Horsemen’s Park: Located at 6303 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68117. Contact: (402) 731-2900.
– Lincoln Race Course: Located at 7055 S. 1st Street, Lincoln, NE 68512. Contact: (402) 474-5371.
Nebraskans who wish to place sports bets before the launch of these retail sportsbooks can visit casinos in neighboring states such as Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, or Iowa.
H2: Nebraska Responsible Gambling Resources
H3: Support and Resources for Responsible Gambling in Nebraska
Nebraska provides various resources and support for individuals experiencing gambling-related issues. These organizations offer assistance and guidance to promote responsible gambling and address problem gambling:
– Nebraska National Council on Problem Gambling: This organization offers support for individuals dealing with problem gambling and provides information about support services available in the state. They offer a 24/7 live chat and helpline at (800) 522-4700.
– Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling: This commission provides confidential help, free of charge, to problem gamblers and their families. They offer support and resources to promote responsible gambling practices. You can reach them at (833) 238-6837.
– Nebraska Gamblers Anonymous: Gamblers Anonymous organizes meetings across the state where individuals struggling with problem gambling can share their experiences and support one another. They also offer guidance and treatment programs. Contact: (909) 931-9056.
Once retail sports betting launches in Nebraska, the Nebraska Gaming Commission will establish a self-exclusion program for retail sportsbooks. This program allows individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from betting activities for a specified duration, ranging from one year to a lifetime. Furthermore, retail sportsbooks will implement other responsible gambling measures such as staff training and betting limits to ensure a safe and responsible gambling environment.
H2: Teams to Bet on in Nebraska
H3: Sports Teams in Nebraska and Surrounding States
While Nebraska does not have any major professional sports teams, there are several teams based in neighboring states that are popular among Nebraskans. Here are some of the most notable teams:
Pro Sports:
Colorado:
– Denver Broncos (NFL)
– Denver Nuggets (NBA)
– Colorado Rockies (MLB)
– Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Missouri:
– Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
– Kansas City Royals (MLB)
– St. Louis Blues (NHL)
– St. Louis Cardinals (MLB)
Minor League Sports:
Nebraska is home to various minor league sports teams that have a dedicated fan base. Some of these teams include:
– Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A affiliate of the MLB’s Kansas City Royals)
– Lincoln Saltdogs (American Association of Professional Baseball)
– Omaha Beef (Champions Indoor Football League)
College Sports:
Nebraska has a strong college sports presence, with several teams representing notable universities:
– Creighton Bluejays (Big East Conference)
– Nebraska Cornhuskers (Big Ten Conference)
– Omaha Mavericks (Summit League Conference)
Women’s Sports:
– Sporting Nebraska FC Women (United Women’s Soccer League)
– No Coast Derby Girls and Omaha Rollergirls (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association)
H2: How Does Nebraska Compare to Other States?
H3: Comparing Nebraska’s Sports Betting Market
As sports betting becomes legal in Nebraska, it is essential to examine how it compares to other states in terms of market coverage, odds and prices, gambling revenue, and taxes:
Market Coverage:
When sports betting launches in Nebraska, renowned operators like Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and PointsBet are expected to offer their services. These operators provide a wide range of betting markets, including betting lines on major league sports and niche sports like NASCAR. However, it is worth noting that LB 561 prohibits wagering on in-state college teams.
Competitive Odds & Prices:
Caesars, one of the confirmed operators in Nebraska, is known for offering competitive odds across all the legal states where it operates its sportsbook. This ensures that Nebraskans can enjoy the same favorable odds as residents in other states where Caesars operates.
Gambling Revenue:
Nebraska sportsbooks will contribute 20% of their revenue as tax to the state. This tax allocation is defined in the legislation of LB 561. The tax revenue will be used for property tax relief (70%), local governments (25%), the general fund (2.5%), and problem gambling prevention (2.5%). It is worth noting that online sports betting generates a significant portion of tax revenue in many states, which Nebraska currently does not have access to.
Betting Taxes:
Any gambling winnings in Nebraska must be declared to the IRS. If the winnings exceed $600, individuals must fill out a W-2G form. Sportsbooks may also withhold up to 25% of the winnings for tax purposes. Additionally, gambling winnings are subject to Nebraska’s state income tax, which has a rate of 5.5%.
Sportsbooks’ Taxes:
Sportsbooks in Nebraska are required to pay a 0.25% excise tax on their monthly betting handle in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code. They are also obligated to pay $50 for each employee involved in taking wagers.
H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is sports betting legal in Nebraska?
A1: Retail sports betting is legal in Nebraska. However, online sports betting is not currently legal.
Q2: What is the minimum age to bet in Nebraska?
A2: To bet at retail sportsbooks in Nebraska, you must be at least 21 years old.
Q3: When will sports betting launch in Nebraska?
A3: The launch date for sports betting in Nebraska has not been determined yet. The construction of casinos and sportsbooks is still ongoing.
Q4: Can I bet on sports online in Nebraska?
A4: Currently, online sports betting is not legal in Nebraska. However, residents can participate in daily fantasy sports (DFS) games and online horse race wagering.
Q5: What sportsbooks will be available in Nebraska in the future?
A5: Caesars has already announced its partnership with AG Park and their intention to launch a retail sportsbook. Other major sportsbook operators, such as BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PointsBet, are also expected to enter the Nebraska market.
Q6: Where can I place sports bets in Nebraska?
A6: Once retail sportsbooks launch, you can visit one of Nebraska’s six casinos to place your bets. Alternatively, you can visit neighboring states like Iowa, Colorado, and Wyoming, where sports betting is legal, to place your bets.
Q7: Are sportsbooks in Nebraska safe?
A7: Retail sportsbooks in Nebraska will be regulated and overseen by the Nebraska Gaming Commission. These sportsbooks will undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and fairness for bettors.
Q8: Do I have to pay taxes on my sports betting winnings in Nebraska?
A8: Yes, gambling winnings, including sports betting winnings, must be reported to the IRS. Winnings over $600 require the completion of a W-2G form. In addition, Nebraska imposes a state income tax of 5.5% on gambling winnings.
Q9: Can I play popular sports betting platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM in Nebraska?
A9: Currently, these platforms are not available for sports betting in Nebraska. However, you may still use platforms like DraftKings for daily fantasy sports (DFS) games.
Q10: What authority oversees sports betting in Nebraska?
A10: Sports betting in Nebraska is overseen by the Nebraska Gaming Commission, which was established as part of LB 561 to regulate and enforce sports betting regulations in the state.
