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Nebraska is evaluating a constitutional amendment to allow online sports betting, a move that could boost state tax revenue.
Proposal Seeks Voter Approval
Legislative Resolution 20CA, introduced by Sen. Eliot Bostar, aims to legalize mobile sports betting through a constitutional amendment. This approach, which requires voter approval, has been used in other states to expand gambling options.
The Nebraska Legislature’s General Affairs Committee recently reviewed this proposal alongside others related to gambling expansion and tax revenue allocation. If passed, the measure could bring significant economic benefits by capturing revenue currently lost to neighboring states.
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Economic Impact and Potential Gains
Bostar emphasized that Nebraska is losing around $32 million in annual tax revenue to nearby states like Iowa, Colorado, and Kansas, where mobile betting is already legal. He believes that allowing online betting would create a new tax revenue source, potentially benefiting property tax relief.
Sarah Meuli, government affairs manager at DraftKings, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strong support for in-person sports betting in Nebraska’s 2020 ballot. She suggested that enthusiasm for online betting has only increased since then.
Opposition to Online Expansion
Despite the potential financial benefits, some groups oppose the expansion. Nate Grasz, executive director of the Nebraska Family Alliance, argued that increased gambling access could lead to social and financial harm. He urged lawmakers to consider the broader consequences before moving forward with legalization.
While most states with legal betting see a majority of wagers placed online, Nebraska remains cautious about taking this next step. The decision now rests with lawmakers and, ultimately, the voters who may have the final say on the future of online sports betting in the state.
