DraftKings and FanDuel add $7M to Nebraska online sports betting ballot campaign ahead of November 3 vote

DraftKings and FanDuel have each added $3.5 million to the campaign backing online sports betting in Nebraska, according to finance filings covering the period that ended September 29. The contributions bring each operator's total to $7 million, making them the largest funders of Tax Relief Nebraska, the group behind the 2026 ballot effort. Total fundraising by supporters now stands at roughly $14.65 million ahead of the November 3 election.

Other operators have also contributed. BetMGM gave a further $250,000, lifting its total to $500,000, while Fanatics added $75,000. During the latest reporting period the campaign spent about $2.29 million, mostly on media placement, along with research, legal consulting, creative services and printed materials. It reported more than $5.42 million in cash on hand for the final stretch before Election Day.

The opposition is operating on a far smaller scale. Nebraska Family Alliance reported spending just $2,109 over the same period, mainly on postage for a voter guide arguing against the proposals.

Nebraska voters will consider two related initiatives. Initiative Measure 440 would amend the state constitution to allow lawmakers to authorize online sports wagering. Initiative Measure 441 would establish the regulatory framework for the market. Under that framework, licensed gaming operators could partner with up to two online sports betting platforms, and the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission would oversee the rules. Platform servers would have to be located in the state, and existing restrictions on wagering involving Nebraska college teams and on college player proposition bets would stay in place.

Supporters have made property tax relief a central argument. Tax Relief Nebraska estimates that online sports betting could generate about $86.9 million in state tax revenue over its first five years, with around $60.9 million of that directed to property tax relief. These figures are estimates rather than guaranteed revenue, and actual collections would depend on market activity, tax rules and other factors if the measures pass.

Opponents have raised concerns about problem gambling, particularly given how easily people can bet through mobile apps. The result will determine whether Nebraska joins the states that permit online sports betting or keeps its current retail-focused system.