Nebraska Voters Reject Online Sports Betting in Unofficial Results

Nebraska voters appear to have turned down online sports betting in the November 3 general election. Unofficial results show Initiatives 440 and 441 trailing.

The loss came despite a pro-betting campaign that was estimated at more than $22 million. For now, Nebraskans can only bet on sports in person at the state’s five racetrack casinos.

How Initiatives 440 and 441 Would Have Worked

According to a report from Forbes, the proposal was a two-part package, and both pieces needed to pass. Initiative 440 was a constitutional amendment authorizing online sports wagering. Initiative 441 was a statutory measure, meaning a regular state law, that set the regulations and tax framework.

Betting apps could not have launched on their own. Each app would have had to partner with an established racetrack casino.

Proponents hoped to launch mobile betting apps by spring. They argued the revenue would go toward property tax relief.

Unofficial Vote Counts for Initiatives 440 and 441

Outlets reported slightly different margins, likely because they checked the count at different points. None of these figures are final, but the Washington Times reports that Initiative 440 was 55% against. The New York Times reports that Initiative 441 is 54.5% against.

The Nebraska Secretary of State posted unofficial results shortly before 2 a.m. Wednesday. At that point, 885 of 1,322 precincts were fully reporting.

The $22 Million Campaign Behind Online Betting

The push came from Tax Relief Nebraska, a coalition backed by state casinos and online sports betting groups. The group turned to a petition drive after years of resistance in the Legislature. The campaign raised more than $22 million.

Reaching the ballot took a major signature effort. Tax Relief Nebraska turned in more than 201,000 signatures for the constitutional amendment in late June.

Lynne McNally, government relations director for the proponent side, called the outcome a real loss. She argued online betting already happens across Nebraska without regulation or taxation.

Who Opposed Online Sports Betting in Nebraska

The main opposition group was Save Nebraska Sports. Sponsor Jordan McGrain said results as of midnight seemed “pretty clear.” He called the race a “David and Goliath” matchup and said opponents were outspent 20-1.

Nebraska Family Alliance executive director Nate Grasz said voters weren’t persuaded that regulated sports betting would lower taxes. The Nebraska Catholic Conference also urged voters to reject the measures.

Where Nebraska Sports Betting Stands Today

Nothing changes for bettors right now. Sports betting remains regulated only in person at the state’s five racetrack casinos. Retail betting, meaning wagers placed on-site at a casino sportsbook, began to be governed by the state after voters approved casino gaming in 2020.

Bettors must be 21 or older to place retail wagers. Our Nebraska sports betting guide tracks how regulated wagering works in the state.

The revenue argument isn’t going away. Nebraska Public Media reported on 2024 testimony from a casino industry representative. That testimony estimated Nebraska loses $30 million a year in tax revenue to states with regulated online betting.

Nebraska would have joined more than 30 states with regulated online sports betting.

What Comes Next for Online Betting in Nebraska

Any future push would have to go back to the Legislature or through another petition drive. That path has been tough, with repeated legislative bills failing.

Margins could still move as the remaining precincts report. Based on the unofficial counts, neither measure appears on track to pass.

Why the Nebraska Vote Matters for Bettors

Nebraska’s vote shows that heavy spending and a tax relief pitch don’t guarantee approval for mobile betting. Opponents framed the race as a money mismatch and still led in early counts. For Nebraska bettors, regulated sports wagering stays tied to the five racetrack casinos.

Whatever the final count shows, expect Nebraska’s online betting debate to come back through future legislative action or another ballot effort.