Nebraska voters reject online sports betting ballot measures 440 and 441

Sports betting in Nebraska will remain limited to in-person wagers at the state’s licensed racetrack casinos after voters opposed two ballot measures during the 2026 midterms. On Election Day (Nov. 3), Nebraskans faced Initiative Measures 440 and 441. Initiative Measure 440 failed by a 55%-45% margin, while Initiative Measure 441 was defeated 54%-46%.

Campaign spending

Tax Relief Nebraska, a political action committee that argued online sports betting would help lower property taxes, raised nearly $22.5 million. The committee was primarily supported by FanDuel and DraftKings, with each sportsbook contributing $10.4 million, while BetMGM and Fanatics made $500,000 contributions. Proponents suggested taxing sports betting revenue at 30%, the same rate as retail casino gambling and sports betting.

Opposition and neighbouring states

Opponents, operating as Save Nebraska Sports, argued online sports betting would threaten the integrity of sports and deliver financial and social harms. Former Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne encouraged voters to reject efforts to expand sports betting to the internet. Osborne said: “Putting a sportsbook on every phone will only expose more young people to gambling addiction.” Casino.org reported that Iowa stands to benefit most among neighbouring states where remote wagers are allowed, and that Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming also have online sports betting.