WarHorse Gaming and the Sports Betting Alliance have launched a coordinated ballot campaign aimed at bringing mobile sports betting to Nebraska, following last year’s failed legislative effort to authorize online wagering.
The initiative is being led by WarHorse Gaming, the commercial arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska (Ho‑Chunk), alongside the Sports Betting Alliance, a coalition that includes major national operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM.
Two Ballot Measures Filed
Two separate petitions were filed Friday with the Nebraska Secretary of State:
- A constitutional amendment allowing online sports betting, provided operators partner with an existing licensed casino.
- A revenue allocation measure directing 20% of online wagering revenue to the cities and counties where bets are placed.
The dual‑measure approach complies with Nebraska’s requirement that ballot initiatives address only a single subject.
Why the Push Now
Nebraska legalized sports betting in May 2021, but wagering remains limited to in‑person betting at one of the state’s five racetrack casinos. Retail sportsbooks did not open until June 2023.
WarHorse officials argue that the lack of mobile wagering is pushing Nebraskans to neighboring states—or offshore platforms.
Lynne McNally, WarHorse’s director of government relations, told Nebraska Public Media that the current system is leaking tax dollars across state lines. “People are using VPNs, and they’re disguising their location, pretending they’re in Iowa,” she said.
A 2025 legislative attempt to authorize mobile betting—requiring a two‑thirds vote because it involved a constitutional amendment—was ultimately derailed by a filibuster. While supporters plan to reintroduce the bill this session, WarHorse and its partners prefer to take the issue directly to voters.
A poll commissioned by the Sports Betting Alliance last year found 59% of Nebraskans support legal online sports betting.
Industry Has a Track Record of Ballot Success
Nebraska’s casino industry is no stranger to ballot campaigns. In November 2020, voters approved three measures authorizing casino gaming at racetracks—a campaign also led by WarHorse (then Ho‑Chunk Inc.).
McNally told The Lincoln Journal Star that the industry is a “well‑oiled machine” when it comes to signature gathering and public outreach. She expects to spend significant time on the road “letting Nebraskans know what the advantages are of voting for this initiative.”
To qualify for the ballot, organizers must collect signatures from roughly 10% of registered voters for the sports betting amendment and 7% for the tax‑allocation measure.
