A proposed online sports betting bill in Nebraska, LR20CA, passed the legislature by 27 - 16, and the bill is now on its way to the Enrollment and Review Initial stage. It will be reviewed for grammatical and technical accuracy and for final recommendations before it is sent to the next step, which is the Select File - where legislators will debate on the bill and make further amendments. Upon approval, it will head to the final reading and ultimately, get the Governor's signature.

One step forward, two more to go. Nebraska lawmakers took a significant first step Monday toward allowing residents to decide whether to legalize sports betting online. A legislative resolution proposing a constitutional amendment passed its initial floor vote in the state's legislature, bringing the controversial issue one step closer to appearing on the 2026 general election ballot.

Resolution LR20CA now heads for the final steps

Senator Eliot Bostar's resolution, known as LR20CA, was approved in a 27 - 16 vote, along with six senators not voting. Although it survived a particular motion to indefinitely postpone - withdrawn before coming to a vote - the bill still faces two more hurdles in the legislative process before it can be placed before Nebraska voters.

The resolution now heads to the Enrollment and Review Initial stage, where legislative staff will integrate any adopted amendments, ensure grammatical and technical accuracy, and prepare the bill for the next round of debate.

If it passes the next two stages - Select File and Final Reading - with the required support, it will then need a signature from Governor Jim Pillen to make it onto the 2026 ballot. Crucially, constitutional amendments in Nebraska require approval from at least three-fifths (30 of 49) of elected senators at the final stage. Monday's vote suggests that support for Bostar's measure remains shy of that threshold, making the path forward uncertain but promising.

A complex path to legalization

The proposed constitutional amendment would authorize Nebraska's six casinos and racetracks to partner with one online sportsbook each, allowing them to offer mobile and digital sports wagering platforms. Retail sports betting was legalized in Nebraska in 2021, but the state remains among the few without a regulated online market.

Since its introduction in mid-January, LR20CA has navigated a winding path through the legislature. It spent nearly two months in the General Affairs Committee before emerging in March with bipartisan backing in a 6 - 2 vote.

Proponents, including the Sports Betting Alliance and Warhorse Casino, argue that legalizing online betting would generate much-needed tax revenue and help curb the state's growing unregulated market. Supporters also point to the large number of Nebraskans who currently cross state lines - often to Iowa - to place online bets, resulting in lost economic opportunity for Nebraska.

We're losing out on millions to neighboring states, and our current laws are just pushing activity underground, Bostar said during floor debate.

Another key motivator, Bostar noted, is the desire for the legislature to retain control over regulation. "We saw last February that proponents were considering moving forward with a petition effort," he said. "If that happens, with public support hovering in the mid to high 60% range, the version that reaches the ballot may not reflect the careful regulatory framework that this body would establish."

Opposition remains strong

Despite the progress, LR20CA has faced significant pushback, especially from conservative and religious groups. At a public hearing in March, only three individuals testified in favor of the bill, while 51 submitted testimony in opposition.

Critics worry about the potential for increased gambling addiction, particularly among young men, and remain skeptical of the financial benefits online betting might provide. The Nebraska Family Alliance, one of the most vocal opponents, has highlighted concerns over social harm and has rallied support from high-profile figures such as former football coach Tom Osborne and former Governor Kay Orr.

In a public statement, NFA warned that online betting would open the door to predatory practices and strain families and communities. Still, Governor Jim Pillen, a Republican, has previously signaled that he would not oppose a sports wagering bill if passed by the legislature.

With the session running through June 9 - and bills eligible to carry over into next year - Bostar and supporters have time, but not unlimited momentum. Whether LR20CA clears its final hurdles remains to be seen, but the possibility of Nebraskans voting on online sports betting in 2026 is now more real than ever.