Nebraska Online Casinos | Top NE Casino Apps & Sites in September, 2023

Welcome to our comprehensive guide for Nebraska online casinos! If you’re eager to explore the different options currently available in the Cornhusker State and ready to start playing all your favorite casino games from the comfort of your home, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we will provide everything you need to know about virtual casino gaming in Nebraska. This includes the laws and regulations, best casino sites and apps, latest news updates, and much more. By the time we’re finished, you’ll be ready to dive headfirst into the exciting world of Nebraska online casinos and experience the best that the state has to offer. Now let’s get started!

Are Online Casinos Legal in Nebraska?

As of September 2023, online casino gambling is not yet legal in Nebraska. The state does not issue licenses to mobile casinos or virtual poker sites that offer real-money wagering, and these types of platforms are not authorized to accept players from the Cornhusker State. As it currently stands, pari-mutuel betting on horse racing via advance-deposit wagering (ADW) sites and paid daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests are Nebraska’s only available forms of internet-based gambling.

However, Nebraska casino enthusiasts still have several different ways to get in on the action. The state is home to nearly half a dozen tribal casinos that are owned by Native American tribes and allowed to operate under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and through negotiated gaming compacts with the state of Nebraska.

In addition, Nebraska voters approved ballot measures during the 2020 general election to allow commercial casino gambling at the state’s horse racing tracks. These racecourse casinos, commonly known as “racinos,” are currently undergoing construction and development, and several (e.g., Warsaw Casino Lincoln and Harrah’s Nebraska) have already opened temporary gaming facilities in the state.

Lastly, Nebraska residents have the opportunity to play casino-style games online using social casinos and sweepstakes casinos. These innovative platforms are widely available across the United States, do not require a deposit or payment of any kind, and often give players a chance to win real cash prizes. We will discuss social and sweepstakes casinos in greater detail in the next section.

What Are the Different Types of Nebraska Online Casinos?

To help simplify things, we have divided Nebraska online casinos into three distinct categories: real-money online casinos, social and sweepstakes casinos, and offshore casinos. The major similarities and differences between these three types of virtual gaming platforms are discussed below.

Real-Money Online Casinos

Real-money online casinos are internet-based gambling platforms that allow players to wager and win actual money through various casino games (such as slots, table games, and card games), and they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection via websites or mobile applications. To participate, users will need to create an account, deposit real money using their preferred payment method (e.g., debit/credit card, online banking, or digital wallets), and then play the games of their choice.

Online casino gambling sites and apps, such as Caesars Casino and DraftKings Casino, are completely safe and secure since they are licensed and regulated by reputable gaming authorities. Unfortunately, real-money online casinos are not yet available in Nebraska. These types of platforms are currently legal in only seven U.S. states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

Social Casinos & Sweepstakes Casinos

Unlike real-money online casinos, social casinos and sweepstakes casinos do not offer real-money wagering on casino games. Instead, users play casino-style games with virtual currencies (often known as “Gold Coins” or Sweeps Coins”) that can be earned for free through welcome offers, daily login rewards, and other similar opportunities.

Since they do not accept deposits from players or provide real-money wagering opportunities, social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are completely legal in the state of Nebraska. These online gaming platforms provide access to all of the hottest new slots and table games, allow you to compete with your friends, and often give you a chance to win real cash prizes without risking a dime.

Offshore Casinos

Lastly, offshore casinos are online gambling platforms that operate from outside the United States and beyond the jurisdiction of Nebraska’s laws and regulations. These casinos are based in foreign countries and are not subject to U.S. gambling laws, including state-specific regulations in Nebraska. Since Nebraska has not officially legalized online casinos, engaging in virtual casino gambling via offshore casinos from within the state may pose legal risks.

In addition, offshore casinos do not offer the same level of player protection, responsible gambling measures, and security as licensed and regulated online casinos within the United States. Due to the potential legal implications and lack of oversight, it is generally advisable for players in Nebraska to steer clear of offshore casinos and instead use social casinos and sweepstakes casinos.

Best Nebraska Social Casinos & Sweepstakes Casinos

All of the top U.S. social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are currently available in the state of Nebraska. Here are a few of the top platforms to consider joining today:

Fortune Coins

• Available States: 48 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID & WA)
• Full Review: Fortune Coins Review

Fortune Coins is owned and operated by Blazesoft Ltd, and the social gaming site offers well over 150 casino-style games to all players. Users will enjoy plenty of high-quality virtual slot machines with a wide range of themes, bonus features, and gameplay mechanics. In addition, Fortune Coins Casino provides 24/7 customer service to ensure all players get their questions answered and problems resolved in a timely manner.

Hard Rock Social Casino

• Available States: All 50 U.S. States
• Full Review: Hard Rock Social Casino Review

Another popular option is Hard Rock Social Casino, which launched in 2018 and has established itself as one of the top social gaming sites in the United States and Canada. Players will have access to over 200 different games from a wide range of developers (e.g., Blueprint Gaming, NetEnt, and Everi). This includes a solid selection of table games (with blackjack, poker, and keno all available) and a High Limit Room that offers exclusive slots and table games to select players.

Pulsz Casino

• Available States: 47 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID, NV, & WA)
• Full Review: Pulsz Casino Review

Owned by Yellow Social Interactive (YSI) Limited, Pulsz Casino offers a top-notch online gaming experience to players from all over the United States. The casino features over 500 Vegas-style casino games, including virtual slots with an incredible range of features, mechanics, volatilities, and styles. Additionally, Pulsz Casino offers a fantastic customer loyalty program and a very user-friendly mobile app.

WOW Vegas

• Available States: 47 of 50 U.S. States (all but ID, NV, & WA)
• Full Review: WOW Vegas Review

Last but not least, WOW Vegas is a sweepstakes casino that certainly deserves your consideration. With more than 300 casino games from three of the top software providers and developers in the industry (3 Oaks, Betsoft, and Pragmatic Play), players will never run out of exciting games to play and options to explore. WOW Vegas also provides a generous welcome offer in order to help all new users get off to a fantastic start on the platform.

How To Sign Up for a Nebraska Online Casino

Nebraska Land-Based Casinos

Although online casino gambling is not yet available in Nebraska, residents and visitors of the Cornhusker State can wager real money on a variety of games by visiting any of the state’s land-based casinos. A few of Nebraska’s premier in-person gaming destinations are covered in greater detail below.

Lucky 77 Casino

• Address: 205 Main St, Walthill, NE 68067
• Phone Number: (402) 846-5545

Proudly owned by the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, Lucky 77 Casino is one of the state’s most popular in-person gambling destinations. The casino completed a $2 million project in May 2023 and opened its gaming facility in a brand-new building. Visitors will enjoy over 100 slot machines and a snack bar with pizza, sandwiches, and several other delicious options.

Ohiya Casino & Resort

• Address: 53142 NE-12, Niobrara, NE 68760
• Phone Number: (402) 857-3860

Ohiya Casino & Resort has the distinction of being Nebraska’s first retail casino and is owned and operated by the Santee Sioux Nation in Niobrara. The casino resort includes a 25,000-square-foot gaming floor with over 400 video slots and video poker machines. Ohiya Casino & Resort also features several dining options, a massive events center for live entertainment and bingo games, and an 18-hole golf course.

Warsaw Casino Lincoln

• Address: 7055 S 1st St, Lincoln, NE 68512
• Phone Number: (800) 999-2776

Although the $200 million WarHorse Casino Lincoln is not expected to be fully completed until the second half of 2024, the casino opened a temporary gaming facility in September 2022. Visitors will have access to over 400 slot machines and progressive jackpot games while also being able to place bets on horse races and sporting events taking place all over the world.

Other Legal Forms of Gambling in Nebraska

In addition to in-person gambling at Nebraska’s tribal casinos or racinos, there are several other legal forms of gambling offered in the Cornhusker State. A few of the other options currently available are discussed below.

Sports Betting

Although retail sports betting became legal in Nebraska in May 2021 when Governor Pete Ricketts signed Legislative Bill 581 into law, the state’s first wager was not placed until June 2023. Bets can currently be placed at the WarHorse Casino Lincoln on both professional and college sporting events, with the only exception being in-state schools that are competing within state lines (e.g., the University of Nebraska’s home games).

However, online and mobile sports betting is not yet available in Nebraska. For the time being, Nebraska sports fans will need to cross state lines and visit Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, or Wyoming in order to place bets with popular U.S. online sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM.

Horse Racing

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is also legal in Nebraska, and the industry is regulated by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. Bets can be placed on both live and simulcast horse racing events in person at any of the state’s active racetracks (Fonner Park, Horsemen’s Park, etc.). In addition, bets can be made online using advance-deposit wagering (ADW) sites like TwinSpires and AmWager.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Like many other U.S. states, Nebraska allows daily fantasy sports (DFS) to exist in a legal gray area, as there are currently no laws permitting or prohibiting the activity. As a result, all of the top DFS sites and apps are currently allowed to operate in Nebraska and accept players from the state. This includes DraftKings, FanDuel, Yahoo Fantasy, Underdog Fantasy, OwnersBox, ParlayPlay, and many other popular daily fantasy sports platforms.

Nebraska Lottery

The Nebraska Lottery is a state-operated lottery that offers various games of chance to the public. Players can purchase lottery tickets for games like Powerball, Mega Millions, Pick 5, 2by2, MyDaY, and other scratch-off games. The lottery proceeds are used to fund various state programs and initiatives, primarily in the areas of education, environmental conservation, and veteran services. Nebraska Lottery tickets are available for purchase at authorized retailers across the state by anyone 19 years or older.

Charitable Gaming

Charitable gaming refers to gambling activities conducted by eligible nonprofit organizations in Nebraska for fundraising purposes. Approved organizations can host various types of charitable games, including bingo, raffles, keno, pickle cards, and lottery-based events.

These games must comply with the regulations set forth by the Nebraska Department of Revenue, and the generated revenue is used to support the charitable activities of the organization. Charitable gaming allows nonprofit groups to raise funds for community projects, education, health services, youth programs, veterans’ assistance, and other charitable causes.

Strategies & Tips for Nebraska Casino Players

Although casino games are largely determined by pure luck and random chance, there are plenty of ways to increase your chances of long-term success during online or in-person casino play. Here are the best strategies and tips for Nebraska casino players:

• Understand the Games: Familiarize yourself with the rules and strategies of the casino games you plan to play. Understanding the odds and best practices for each game can increase your chances of winning.
• Know Your Limits: Understand your comfort level with different casino games and betting amounts. If a particular game or bet size makes you feel uncomfortable or stressed, consider switching to a different game or adjusting your bets.
• Don’t Chase Jackpots: While winning a jackpot is thrilling, don’t chase them by overspending or playing beyond your budget. Jackpots are rare, and playing responsibly is more important than pursuing elusive big wins.
• Explore New Gaming Options: Experiment with various casino games to find what suits your preferences and play style best. Trying new games can add variety to your casino experience and keep things exciting.
• Be Mindful of Tax Implications: If you win a significant amount at a casino, be aware of potential tax implications. It’s essential to report gambling winnings on your tax return according to state and federal laws.
• Set Win & Loss Limits: Before starting a session, set both win and loss limits. Knowing when to walk away after a win or a loss can help you maintain control and avoid chasing losses.
• Stay Informed About Casino Events: Keep an eye on the casino’s schedule for special events, tournaments, or promotions. Participating in these activities can add extra excitement during casino play and provide opportunities for additional rewards.

Nebraska Online Casino FAQ