Nebraska mobile betting advocates launch public poll

Since the 2018 overturn of PASPA by the US Supreme Court, sports betting has rapidly expanded nationwide. Currently, 38 states and DC have legalized some form of sports wagering, with a few states working on legalization and others having no active legislation. Nebraska currently offers only retail sports betting, and with neighboring states providing mobile options, efforts to legalize online betting in the state persist.

A coalition, including the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s Ho-Chunk Inc., along with major operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM, is actively supporting the push for online sports wagering legalization in Nebraska.

The coalition in Nebraska is actively working to gauge the support of state residents for the inclusion of mobile betting. This evaluation can be pursued through legislative efforts or by incorporating a poll in the upcoming November ballot. The coalition has initiated a public opinion poll on the matter, commencing this week and set to conclude at week’s end. The results are anticipated to provide insights into the perspectives of Nebraska residents regarding mobile wagering.

Lance Morgan, CEO of Ho-Chunk, shared that the coalition envisions ambitious plans contingent on public backing. Morgan emphasized the desire to observe developments before taking action, highlighting the apparent demand for mobile betting. He acknowledged a growing preference for online sports wagering at WarHorse’s retail outlet, with many bettors favoring the convenience of smartphone betting over traveling to physical sportsbooks.

While a petition drive for a November vote would involve substantial costs, Morgan expressed optimism that if public sentiment aligns with expanding gambling through mobile betting, lawmakers might proactively address the matter in the upcoming ballot. A potential petition drive would require around 122,000 signatures by July 2024.