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Nebraska sports betting operators could soon start offering wagers on in-stage college games after Senator Tom Brandt introduced a bill to the Senate last Thursday(Jan 9). The bill would also allow pre-match and live bets on these college events.
Legislative Bill 63, also sponsored by Senators Stan Clouse and Danielle Conrad, seeks to amend the current Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act to remove the prohibition on wagering on college sports. If passed, this legislation would open new avenues for local betting operators in the state.
An Exciting Opportunity for Nebraska
The case for in-college sports betting in Nebraska is a pretty big deal as the state does not have a professional sports team but boasts a rich tradition in college athletics. When lawmakers pushed for legalized sports betting in 2021, they included a ban on wagers for in-state college teams to secure broader support, which ultimately led to the bill’s passage with a 44-3 vote.
However, experts believe that this ban has likely limited sportsbook revenue by as much as 15%, a figure that could be even higher in Nebraska, given the passionate college fanbase. The Cornhusker State houses a host of notable college programmes, including the University of Nebraska-Omaha, the University of Nebraska, and Creighton University. These institutions even host Summit competitions, which attract lots of college sports fans.
Furthermore, proponents of the bill also believe that the extra revenue could help lower the state’s rising property taxes, which has become a serious issue for residents in recent times.
Not An Easy Road
While many are optimistic about the potential benefits of the bill, strong opposition is anticipated. Critics argue that the risks posed to college athletes should not be overlooked. They emphasize concerns about the integrity of college sports, the potential for increased pressure on young athletes, and the broader implications of normalizing betting in an educational environment.
These concerns are also echoed nationwide, with NCAA President Charlie Baker actively pushing for a total ban on college player prop bets across the country. He sent several letters to states last year requesting this, and the issue was one of the discussion points in the Senate gambling hearing that was held last December. Some states have since complied, but Baker is still requesting federal intervention.
Even if LB 63 passes, the chances of college player prop bets being legal in the state are almost non-existent. However, harassment rates among college athletes will most likely increase, and this remains a significant obstacle to the passing of the bill.
Stalled Progress for Online Sports Betting
It’s been two years since Nebraska residents were allowed to place bets at retail sports betting locations, and yet, there are no signs of the industry going online. Last year saw a bill introduced in a special session during the summer but the idea died there despite lawmakers arguing that it could help lower property taxes.
Gov. Jim Pillen also voiced his support for a priority bill for online sports betting in the 2025 legislative session, but nothing of that sort has been introduced yet.
Furthermore, that bill would require a public vote, and the soonest a vote can be made is November 2026. So even if a breakthrough was recorded this year, Nebraska residents won’t be able to place sports bets online until 2024.
Source: Next.io
