Nebraska online sports betting campaign nears $21.7M in donations ahead of November 3 vote

Campaign contributions supporting online sports betting in Nebraska have reached almost $21.7 million as a statewide vote on November 3, 2026 approaches. The latest finance disclosures show that more than $7 million in new funding has arrived since September 29, with sportsbook operators making a final push before election day.

FanDuel and DraftKings are the biggest donors, each having contributed nearly $10.3 million during the election year. Fanatics has raised its total to $600,000, while BetMGM previously gave $500,000. Recent payments include $2.5 million from DraftKings on October 13 and a further $750,000 on October 22. FanDuel gave $2.5 million on October 22 and $750,000 the next day. Fanatics added $425,000 on October 2 and $100,000 on October 26.

The money flows through Tax Relief Nebraska, the committee backing legalization. Its reported spending for the election year stands at $15.8 million, of which more than $5 million went to television advertising and other promotion.

Two proposals are on the ballot: Initiatives 440 and 441. The first would amend the state constitution to allow legislation authorizing online sports wagering, and the second would set up the regulatory framework. Both must pass for mobile betting to become legal.

If approved, Nebraska could host up to 12 mobile sportsbook operators, with two platform partners for each of the state's six existing or planned regulated gaming facilities. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM and Fanatics are seen as likely applicants, and Caesars, bet365 and theScore Bet could also enter. The framework would levy a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue. Bettors would have to be physically in Nebraska, and platform servers would need to be located in the state. Wagers on in-state college teams playing within Nebraska would stay prohibited.

Should voters approve both measures, the framework would take effect on January 1, 2027, and regulators are expected to adopt wagering rules by June 1. A launch in 2027 could come ahead of the college football season. As of October 28, Kalshi put the odds of the constitutional amendment passing at 69% and the regulatory initiative at 68%.

Opposition continues, notably from religious organizations and groups concerned about gambling harm. Supporters argue that legalization would bring additional tax revenue and property tax relief.