Retail sports betting will soon be available at select locations in Nebraska. Governor Pete Ricketts legalized sports betting when he signed LB 561 into law on May 25, 2021.
Nebraska was not the quickest state to act following the overturn of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, but nonetheless, legal sports betting is expected to launch in NE before the end of 2021.
In the meantime, bordering states Iowa and Colorado offer legalized sports betting and are a nearby destination for sports bettors.
Nebraska Sports Betting Key Stats
Legal sports betting is coming to Nebraska! Here are the foundational details you need to know before getting started.
Sports Betting Legalization: May 25, 2021
Expected Launch: Late 2021
Platforms: Retail only
Number of Licenses: TBD
Gambling Age Requirement: 21+
When Will Sports Betting Launch in Nebraska?
The wait is almost over, Nebraskans! Thanks to the passage of LB 561, legal in-person sports betting is expected to launch later in 2021.
It is unfortunate that online sports betting won’t be allowed for the time being but given how unlikely legal Nebraska sportsbooks seemed a year ago, this is still excellent progress. In the mean time, Nebraskans can enjoy sports betting Colorado or Iowa options.
Nebraska Sports Betting Local News
Here’s a recap of what’s happened recently with regards to sports betting in Nebraska.
May 25, 2021: Gov. Pete Ricketts signs a Nebraska sports betting bill (LB 561) into law. Nebraska is the sixth new state to legalize sports betting in 2021, alongside South Dakota, Wyoming, Arizona, Maryland, and Connecticut.
May 20, 2021: LB 561 passes through the Nebraska Legislature by a final vote of 44-3. The bill passed with an emergency clause attached, which means work on creating sports betting regulations and finalizing the licensing application process can begin immediately.
May 13, 2021: Lawmakers’ efforts to include mobile sports betting and wagers on in-state college teams fail following heated debate in the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature. Both are removed from the Nebraska sports betting bill.
Check back here to follow the latest Nebraska sports betting news.
NE Sports Betting Rules and Regulations
The sports betting industry will be regulated by the Nebraska State Racing and Gaming Commission.
Regulators are working on finalizing the state’s rules and application process.
Here’s what we know so far:
- Sports betting will be limited to in-person locations only
- You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports
- College sports betting will be allowed, but you cannot wager on in-state college teams
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Licenses and Taxes: The Business of Nebraska Sports Betting
The regulatory framework for Nebraska sports betting is not yet finalized. However, some information can be confirmed from the language in LB 561.
Key details from the Nebraska sports betting bill include:
- Sports betting will be limited to designated areas at existing casinos and racetracks
- The state will charge casinos a 20 percent tax on sports wagering revenue
Additional information will be available soon.
Retail Sports Betting in Nebraska
Nebraska does not have any commercial casinos, but it does have five tribal casinos where residents can gamble. Nebraska residents also have the opportunity to get their fix at any of the six local horse racing tracks or daily fantasy sports (DFS) sites.
The newly passed LB 561 allows for Nebraska’s existing tribal casinos, racinos, and horse racetracks to apply for sports betting licenses.
Given that the Nebraska Lottery can operate in any establishment with a liquor license, the potential for legal sports betting to one day be available in bars and restaurants across the state could also be a realistic possibility.
Sports Betting Dime will update this page with a list of retail sportsbooks as licensee information becomes available. We’ll make sure you know when, where, and how to place a legal sports bet in Nebraska.
In the meantime, find the full name, address, and hours of operation for each of Nebraska’s five tribal casinos below.
| Casino | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Horse Bar & Casino | 1106 Main St, Emerson, NE 68733 | Wed-Sun 10:00 am – 10:00 pm Mon-Tues closed |
| Lucky 77 Casino | 200 Main St, Walthill, NE 68067 | Mon-Thurs 10:45 am – 2:00 am Fri-Sat 10:45 am – 4:00 am Sun 10:45 am – 11:00 pm |
| Native Star Casino | 214 Industrial Rd, Winnebago, NE 68071 | Mon-Thurs 8:30 am – 11:00 pm Fri 8:30 am – 1:00 am Sat 9:00 am – 1:00 am Sun 9:00 am – 11:00 pm |
| Ohiya Casino & Resort | 53142 NE-12 #12, Niobrara, NE 68760 | Sun-Thurs 10:00 am – midnight Fri-Sat 10:00 am – 1:00 am |
| Rosebud Casino | 30421 US-83, Valentine, NE 69201 | Sun-Thurs 8:00 am – 2:00 am Fri-Sat 8:00 am – 4:00 am |
*Hours are subject to change due to COVID-19
Nebraska Sports Betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Nebraska?
Yes, retail sports betting was legalized in Nebraska in May 2021 and should be readily available in the near future. Unfortunately, under the current gaming expansion, online sports betting sites will not be available in the state of Nebraska.
Where is the closest place to bet from Omaha, Nebraska?
Currently, the closest place to Omaha, Nebraska to place a legal sports bet is across the Mississippi River, where you can wager with Iowa online sportsbooks.
Can I bet on college sports in Nebraska?
You will soon be able to bet on college sports in Nebraska, but not on games involving in-state teams. Unfortunately, sports fans who wish to bet on the Nebraska Cornhuskers or other local colleges will have to travel elsewhere, such as Iowa or Colorado.
What is the most popular sport in Nebraska?
Sports that are popular in Nebraska include college football, horse racing, and rodeos.
Get Ready to Bet on Sports in Nebraska
While you’re waiting on the sidelines, get your head in the game with Betting 101 guides or explore our How to Bet on Sports section for expert wagering advice on all your favorite sports.
If you’re looking to hit the road to place a wager in another state, be sure to explore our list of top online betting sites and detailed sportsbook reviews. You can also check out our legalization tracker to stay up to speed with the latest sports betting news on a state-by-state basis.
Have fun and enjoy the action out there!
Our staff writers work tirelessly around the clock to provide you with all the information you need - stats, odds, trends, expert analysis etc. - to make intelligent and informed bets for every major sport, as well as entertainment.
