Nebraska Voters Reject Online Sports Betting Measures Despite $20 Million Industry Campaign

Nebraska voters have rejected two measures that would have legalized online sports betting. With around 90% of votes recorded, unofficial results show roughly 55% voted against both Initiative 440 and Initiative 441, according to reporting by Gambling Insider.

DraftKings and FanDuel contributed more than $20 million to the campaign, with BetMGM and Fanatics also providing financial support. The state currently limits sports betting to in-person wagers at racetrack casinos. Initiative 440 would have amended the state constitution to permit authorization of online wagering, while Initiative 441 would have legalized and regulated it directly.

Campaign Framing and Sources of Opposition

Proponents argued the measures would capture tax revenue from wagers already placed by Nebraska residents across state lines, especially in Iowa. The proposals would have directed 70% of tax revenue to property tax relief and required online sportsbooks to partner with a Nebraska racetrack casino.

State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg and State Auditor Mike Foley appeared in opposing ads for Save Nebraska Sports. The effort also gained support from 45 current and former Nebraska Cornhuskers athletes and coaches, including former coach Tom Osborne, who signed a letter against the measures. Opponents maintained that phone-based betting would increase exposure to gambling harm and that projected property tax savings were too limited to justify the change. The outcome reveals limits to industry spending when faced with organized local resistance centered on consumer protection.

Electoral Results and Prospects for 2027 Gambling Legislation

Results from other state races could shift gambling policy debates next year. In Texas, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick lost to Vikki Goodwin, who supports placing casinos and sports betting before voters. Las Vegas Sands has spent millions on related efforts there. Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Greg Abbott in the governor's race; Hinojosa voted against a sports betting amendment in 2023, while Abbott had expressed then withdrawn openness amid addiction concerns.

In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms and Josh McLaurin won the governor and lieutenant governor positions, with Bottoms having proposed casino revenue for early childhood education. Ohio Gov.-elect Amy Acton has indicated openness to online casinos for school and child care funding, in contrast to outgoing Gov. Mike DeWine's opposition to further expansion. In New Mexico, Deb Haaland's victory installs a former U.S. interior secretary in the governor's office, with her tribal gaming stance yet to be tested. These shifts supply targeted openings for operators and legislators weighing regulated markets against voter and official skepticism.