Legal sports betting for Nebraska residents is widely available even though many potential gamblers are unsure how to get started. With the 2018 ruling from the Supreme Court making sports betting no longer federally illegal, it also opened up the debate of where to get started. The laws, both on the federal and state level, are always changing in regards to gambling and it is advised to be current on these matters. We don’t expect you to rake through state law books, federal codes, or ask your local officials what the rulings are; instead, we have done all of the research for you.
Our review of sports betting in Nebraska is designed to explain all of the laws that you must be aware of. Additionally, we will explain locations where you can get started, by the use of offshore betting sites. These sites have been helping Nebraska residents bet on sports for years and even provide more options than you would find if you took a trip to a sportsbook in Mississippi or West Virginia. With this, be sure to read our sportsbook reviews, which include a layout of their betting options and promotional codes to benefit your first deposit.
Is Sports Betting Now Legal In Nebraska?
When the Supreme Court ruled to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), it left many Nebraskans unsure about the future of legal sports betting in Nebraska. Sports enthusiasts can look forward to the state potentially expanding their sports gambling offerings. If regulated, the state will offer full-scale sports wagering on professional and amateur sports. Residents may able to bet moneylines, point spreads, parlays, teasers, pleasers, and more. Fortunately, sports fans do not have to wait on state-licensed sportsbooks as offshore online sportsbooks accept residents every day. Bovada, BetOnline, and SportsBetting have all of the best sports betting action for NE residents.
Expected Online Casino Games to Launch in Nebraska Online Slots. Nebraska already has five tribal casinos with land-based slot machine options. But online slots are convenient and popular in states with legal online gambling. Most have very similar visuals and formats to the familiar land-based versions.
Nebraska residents are totally safe from prosecution by state or federal law enforcement agencies when they place bets at any online sportsbook that accepts American wagers. Nebraska residents tend to choose online sportsbook action because they don’t have easy access to hundreds of sportsbooks like people living near Vegas, Atlantic City, or Biloxi. Internet-based sportsbooks are by far the most convenient choice for wagering on sports in the state of Nebraska.
Sports Betting Laws in Nebraska
There are no sports betting laws in Nebraska and in fact, no laws against online betting of any kind on the state’s law books. Federal law could be used to target people who own or operate illegal sportsbooks on American soil, but no state or federal agency is interested in prosecuting individual bettors. You are safe to place bets on sports within the state of Nebraska.
There has never been an arrest or conviction in the Cornhusker State for online including sports betting because there are no laws in the Nebraska penal code that make it illegal to play at an online sportsbook. While it is illegal to operate an online sports betting site, simply using one will not garner any attention your way from law enforcement.
When we came to Bovada, we found that they offer their players more than a handful of reasons to stick around. Their main offering is their odds, as they pay out their readers some of the highest winnings possible. If you stick to their service you will find that their odds cover over a dozen sports and events. A 50% (up to $250) deposit bonus can be found by way of Bovada's sportsbook, with one of the lowest rollovers in the industry. Bovada's deposit methods include VISA, Bitcoin and prepaid cards, all to give their users the easiest deposits possible. Check their live betting section for even more betting options.
BetOnline is another of the better gambling options. If you join BetOnline, you will find that there is more than enough to keep you busy and earn you money. BetOnline has brought their players quite a few different options, but they primarily cover sports. They have one feature that really makes them stand out - a 50% up to $1,000 new player bonus (as well as reloads) with code BOL1000. They have even brought their players a substantial set of odds, as they cover every betting type on every sport, though some other sportsbooks have made it so players cannot bet the money line on a lot of bets. BetOnline uses VISA, Bitcoin, wire transfers and bank transfers. They also accept more crypto than any other betting site, where Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, and DASH are all permitted.
MyBookie is the online sportsbook that has had a lot of players win a lot of money so there is no reason for Nebraska sports bettors to not have an account with MyBookie. There is a lot of sporting events that go on and MyBookie has all of the sports players look for. There is also a lot of banking methods that many players can choose from as well. This is how MyBookie continues to get more players to come and sign up for an account. The prop bets will always be there along with live in-game betting options and mobile betting options as well. MyBookie has it all and they will continue to improve every year!
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There may not be any state laws, but there are a few federal laws that have impacted Nebraska sports betting. The most influential law has been the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), which was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2018. The law made land-based sports betting illegal in the U.S., with the only exceptions being Oregon, Delaware, Montana, and Nevada due to the sports betting laws they had already passed. The federal ban on sports betting was lifted on May 14th, 2018 as a result of Murphy vs. NCAA.
The Wire Act of 1961 is an older law but it is still relevant today. As one of several anti-racketeering laws, the Wire Act made it illegal for interstate sports wagers and betting information to be transmitted by way of a wire communication facility. Though this once only applied to telegraphs and telephones, the act now extends to the internet.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) is a federal law that pertains to online gambling rather than specifically sports betting. The UIGEA requires financial institutions to have measures in place that prevent online gambling transactions from being processed. The law has nothing to do with individual bettors and is more of a banking policy at US banks more than anything else. In states that have regulated online gaming, the UIGEA does not apply.
The legal sports betting age in Nebraska is 21 years old according to the law. Once you reach this age, you can join any of the legal Nebraska sports betting sites recommended on our page. Always remember that the legal betting age supersedes the age posted by the online sportsbook, so even if a site accepts players at 18 or 19 you will need to wait until you are of age.
Betting on your mobile phone is just as legal as betting on your laptop. Mobile sports betting apps make wagering on your favorite sports teams even more convenient. You can place bets on basketball, football, baseball, tennis, hockey, soccer, and plenty of other sports. Mobile sports betting platforms make it easy to navigate through betting lines and your bet slip. You can even make deposits and request payouts from your mobile device. Any iOS, Android, Windows, or BlackBerry user will have no problem joining a legal mobile sports betting app. Just visit the online sportsbook from your mobile device to start betting on sports!
Deposits and withdrawals should be hassle-free when you join a legal Nebraska sports betting site. One of the most popular deposit methods is credit cards. Nearly every online sportsbook allows you to make a deposit with your Visa or MasterCard, and the funds are credited to your account instantly. There may be a small fee of up to 7% charged by the online sportsbook, but most sites do not implement this fee. Bitcoin deposits are the best choice when you want a reliable deposit method. There is no risk of the bitcoin transfer being declined and you can enjoy higher banking limits than with credit cards. Bitcoin is a digital currency which means it is sent extremely fast and you can start wagering right away.
There are also plenty of withdrawal methods to choose from at legal Nebraska online sportsbooks. You can opt to have a traditional check delivered to your mailbox, or you can choose to use MoneyGram. Bitcoin withdrawals are the fastest option at nearly every online sportsbook, with your earnings hitting your wallet within 48 hours. Another benefit of Bitcoin payouts is that there are never fees charged by the sportsbook.
How do I know if an Online Book Accepts Nebraska Bets?
Any online site taking sports bets from citizens of the USA allows for Nebraskans to bet on the outcome of sporting events. However, if you are still unsure of your status, call up the site’s customer service number and ask them. Most sites also have a webpage dedicated to countries and locations that are restricted from using their site.
Will the State of Nebraska Ever Allow Traditional Sportsbook Action?
With no federal restrictions, it is possible that the state of Nebraska will one day offer traditional sportsbooks action. There are already numerous states that have opened state-licensed sportsbooks across the nation, including New Jersey, Delaware, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and more. Experts predict that at least half of the United States will offer land-based sports betting by 2023, and it is likely that Nebraska will regulate sports gambling prior to this estimation.
Why Did My Credit/Debit Card Get Declined When Making My Deposit?
Your card got declined due to the UIGEA, which requires US financial institutions to prevent online gambling transactions. The good news is that legal Nebraska sports betting sites have several other reliable deposit methods for bettors, such as Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Also, because the cashiers use various payment processors, your card may work later on in the day. If you don’t have access to these, purchase an international VISA gift card – it will work just as well.
The Cornhusker State is not exactly a booming location for professional and collegiate sports. There are no MLB, NHL, NFL, or NBA teams that call the state home, though there are some semi-professional leagues that will occasionally have betting lines at online sportsbooks. Luckily, online sportsbooks also have plenty of collegiate sports for fans to bet on. Nebraska does have a couple NCAA Division 1 teams that residents can wager on at online sportsbooks. The Nebraska Cornhuskers are the most popular team in the state to bet on, but legal Nebraska sports betting sites also get plenty of action on the Creighton Bluejays.
- Horseracing (1934), Bingo (1958), Keno (1985), Off-track Betting (1988), Lottery (1992)
- $38 million
- $160 million
- 18 for racing and bingo, 19 for lotteries and keno
- Nebraska bans smoking in all public places
- All forms are illegal
There is very little in the way of Nebraska gambling. Horse racing, charity bingo, keno and a state lottery are the only games legal in the state. There are four Nebraska racetracks that offer live horse racing. Simulcast betting is also permitted at these locations. Despite there no being any specific Nebraska casinos, the racetracks and other establishments that serve alcohol can hold live keno drawings. This makes them the closest you can get to a Nebraska casino location without leaving the state.
That is a drastic contrast from neighboring states, all of which have casinos. The closest casinos in the east part of the state are in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Players in the western part of the state will need to go to South Dakota or Kansas for casino action. The state lottery sells scratch-off tickets and lotto drawings.
Paying Gambling Taxes in Nebraska
OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos has gathered everything you need to know about paying gambling taxes straight from a Certified Public Accountant. Visit our exclusive Gambling Taxes Guide and learn how to report your gambling income.
Nebraska Casinos Map & Racetracks Guide
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Types of Nebraska Online Gambling Allowed
Online gambling in Nebraska is illegal. While the state permits tracks to offer race books, this does not carry over to simulcast betting sites. Companies like TVG and TwinSpires are not licensed in the state.
Daily fantasy sports sites operate in Nebraska, although the games are not expressly legal. The companies claim that they are permitted because the activity is a game of skill. The state attorney general has not released an opinion that contradicts those claims. There is a bill pending that would define daily fantasy sports as a skill game. It has yet to gain a committee hearing.
Types of Live Nebraska Gambling
- All Casino Games: No
- Horses: Yes
- Lottery: Yes
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There are only four types of live gambling that are legal in Nebraska: horse races, charity gambling, keno, and the state lottery.
Each type comes with their own laws and regulations to keep them in check. After you learn what types of gambling is allowed in Nebraska, you should check out the gambling laws to makes sure you are eligible to play or bet.
Nebraska Racetracks
There are four Nebraska racetracks that offer live horse racing. Each has an off-track race book where players can place their bets.
The state still has not legalized casino games, so you will find no Nebraska racinos at these tracks. For keno games, players need to go to an establishment that serves alcohol.
Charities may offer bingo, keno, and raffle drawings. These charities must be registered as a legitimate charity with the state in order to be allowed to have these Nebraska casino events.
Closest Thing to Nebraska Casinos
Restaurants and other establishments that serve alcohol, as well as convenience stores may have keno drawings. Keno is a popular “luck” casino game, that can even be found in Las Vegas and Atlantic City casinos.
This is as close as residents will get to having Nebraska casinos within their state borders until legislation approves casino gambling.
The Nebraska Lottery may sell scratch-off tickets and number drawings. This includes multi-state lottos like Powerball and Mega Millions.
Nebraska Gambling Laws
Nebraska gambling laws are very strict. Any gambling expansion in Nebraska requires a constitutional amendment, including a statewide referendum. Most attempts to expand gambling in Nebraska fails. According to Nebraska gambling laws, most gambling crimes are misdemeanors for first offenders. The exception is gambling debt collection, which is a Class III felony.
Racetracks are legal in Nebraska, where racebooks are legal in the state. Only horses may compete on the racetracks. The only requirement for a racebook is that the venue offers, at least, one race day each year. Racetracks and off-track betting operations must be licensed by the Nebraska State Racing Commission.
The state lottery may only offer two types of games. Scratch-off tickets and lotto drawings are the only two permissible activities. The Nebraska Lottery may join interstate drawings, and it does. This includes Powerball and Mega Millions. Lottery tickets may not be sold over the Internet.
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Businesses that hold a liquor license may operate live keno games, making them the only “Nebraska casinos” in the state. Keno operations may use electronic devices to determine the winning numbers. Video keno machines that mimic video poker devices are not legal. Keno establishments must be approved through a local referendum. Keno may only operate during hours when it is legal to sell alcohol, which is typically no later than 2 am. There is a two percent tax rate on keno proceeds.
The minimum gambling age in Nebraska is 18 years for betting on horses and playing charity games. Minimum Nebraska gambling age is 19 years for players that want to buy a lottery ticket or play keno for real money.
Smoking is not allowed in any establishment where gambling is legal. The law only exempts tobacco shops and hotel rooms.
List of Nebraska Racetracks
There are four Nebraska racetracks in the state. Each of these locations has a racebook where gamblers can place their bets. There are currently no official Nebraska casinos, as the state has not yet legalized casino gambling; this may change in the future. You can easily locate any racetrack using our interactive Nebraska casino map & racetrack guide.
| Casino | Size | Address | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Exposition and Racing – Columbus | Thoroughbred | 822 15th Street | www.columbushorseracing.org |
| Fonner Park – Grand Island | Thoroughbred | 700 East Stolley Park Road | www.fonnerpark.com |
| Horsemen’s Park – Omaha | Thoroughbred | 6303 Q Street | www.horsemenspark.com |
| Lincoln Race Course – Lincoln | Thoroughbred | 7055 South 1st Street | www.lincolnracing.com |
There are dozens of charitable and municipal gambling operations in the state. These places spread bingo and raffle games. Many bars in Nebraska offer live keno drawings, making them the closest thing to a real Nebraska casino as residents can get without leaving the state.
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History of Nebraska Gambling
All forms of gambling were banned under the Nebraska Constitution until 1934. That is when live horse racing was legalized through a constitutional amendment. Charity bingo was legalized in 1958. The first keno operation launched in 1985. Off-track betting was added to the racing enterprises in 1988. Voters approved a state lottery in 1992.
Keno is the most controversial form of gambling in Nebraska. Some cities and counties have refused to permit the activity. Multiple attempts to expand keno into video gaming devices have failed.
In January 2016, keno players figured out a random number generator and hit for about $150,000 at a restaurant in St. Mary. This was not the first time keno was a problem in Nebraska. Employees of a keno operator were accused of stealing $100,000 in 2005.
With such a rocky gambling history, Nebraska casinos expansion does not look good for the near future. However, with neighboring states having a thriving gambling scene, Nebraska casino gamblers can always go there to play casino games and more.
Nebraska Casino & Gambling FAQ
What is the minimum gambling age in Nebraska?
The minimum Nebraska gambling age is 18 years for horse racing and charity games, and 19 years for lotteries and keno.
Live racing and simulcast betting are legal in Nebraska.
No. Sites like TVG and TwinSpires are not licensed in the state.
Many bars and restaurants offer live keno.
No. Players must travel to Iowa, South Dakota or Kansas for casinos.
Fantasy sports contests appear to be legal in Nebraska.
Is online poker, casinos or sports betting legal in Nebraska?
Is Nebraska keno rigged?
There is some question about the randomness of keno drawing machines after players discovered a pattern in January 2016.