Last week, a proposal to legalise online sports betting in Nebraska withstood rigorous examination by the Unicameral General Affairs Committee and is now poised for a decisive vote by all state lawmakers. The outcome of this vote remains uncertain, however, as a faction of Nebraska lawmakers is determined to thwart the initiative’s progress.
Thirteen senators banded together and made their stance clear through a statement issued on Friday (16 August). They voiced their staunch opposition to the measure. Their primary concern is the potential exacerbation of problem gambling issues that could arise from the legalisation of online sports betting.
These senators also express skepticism regarding the financial benefits of such legislation. They challenged the optimistic revenue projections that proponents have cited based on successes in other states. Senators John Lowe, Ray Aguilar, Joni Albrecht, Robert Clements, Robert Dover, Steve Erdman, Steve Halloran, Brian Hardin, Rick Holdcroft, Loren Lippincott, Rita Sanders and Julie Slama signed the letter.
The debate in Nebraska is set against a backdrop of varying experiences with sports betting across the US.
What model will Nebraska follow?
Neighbouring Iowa is viewed as a success story since sports betting’s 2018 legalisation, with a total handle amounting to $9bn. From this, the state has accrued $44 million in tax revenue. Many Nebraskans cross into border states like Iowa to place wagers and Nebraskans also have access to unregulated offshore sites.
As one example beyond Nebraska and Iowa, New Jersey. The state is considered a pioneer in all forms of legalised gambling and has reported a massive volume of wagers. In the first five months of 2024, sportsbooks in New Jersey handled over $6bn in bets. That’s nearly $1.5bn ahead of the previous year.
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