Welcome to your ultimate guide for Nebraska sports betting! Whether you’re an experienced bettor or brand new to the industry, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of sports betting in the state of Nebraska, including the legal landscape, available options, and latest news updates. Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Is Sports Betting Legal in Nebraska?
In May 2021, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts signed Legislative Bill 581 into law, effectively legalizing in-person wagers at licensed casinos and racetracks throughout the state. The legal betting age is 21 years old, and bettors in the Cornhusker State may place wagers on both professional and college sports.
However, there are a few restrictions on sports betting in Nebraska. First, prop bets on individual college athletes are strictly prohibited. Second, Nebraska bettors will not be able to place wagers on in-state college teams when they are competing within state lines.
For example, you could bet on the University of Nebraska’s football team if they were playing a road game in Ann Arbor but not if they were playing a home game in Lincoln. Lastly, betting on minor league sports and high school sports will not be allowed in the state of Nebraska.
Despite retail sports betting being legalized in Nebraska in early 2021, there are currently no in-person sports betting options for residents of the state. However, if everything goes according to plan, retail sportsbooks will launch in Nebraska during the summer of 2023.
When Will Nebraska Sports Betting Launch?
After two years of preparation and debate about the specific rules and regulations that will be enforced, Nebraska plans to open its first retail sportsbook in June 2023, just in time for the annual College World Series in Omaha.
WarHorse Gaming announced a partnership with Kambi Group in May 2023 and is set to open the first retail sportsbook (WarHorse Casino Lincoln) in the Cornhusker State, followed by an additional launch at WarHorse Casino Omaho in 2024.
Atokad in South Sioux City, Fairplay Park in Hastings, Agricultural Park in Columbus, and Fonner Park in Grand Island are also expected to offer retail sports betting in the not-so-distant future after casinos are constructed at these locations and the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission signals their approval.
Meanwhile, there is currently no proposed online sports betting legislation for the state of Nebraska. However, it is believed that the state government is likely to expand sports betting to include mobile operations within the next couple of years.
How Can I Bet on Sports in Nebraska?
While waiting for online and mobile sports betting to become available in Nebraska, here are a few alternatives for sports betting enthusiasts throughout the state:
Retail Sportsbooks
As previously mentioned, retail sports betting is completely legal in the state of Nebraska. WarHorse Casino Lincoln is expected to start taking in-person wagers in June 2023. Other retail sportsbooks are expected to launch in 2024 and will be available to anyone who is 21 years or older. You will be able to place in-person wagers at sports betting kiosks located at any of the licensed casinos or racetracks across the state of Nebraska.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) is a bit of a legal gray area in Nebraska, as there is currently no formal law that allows or forbids it. However, as it stands, sports fans in the Cornhusker State have access to a wide range of DFS platforms (e.g., DraftKings, FanDuel, OwnersBox, and Underdog Fantasy) that offer exciting contests and substantial prize pools. It is also worth mentioning that the legal age requirement for DFS in Nebraska is typically 19 years old.
Horse Racing
Horse racing betting has a long-standing tradition in Nebraska. The state has multiple racetracks, such as Fonner Park and Horsemen’s Park, where fans can place wagers on live races or simulcast events. Both on-track and off-track betting options are available, allowing enthusiasts to participate in various betting pools like win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and more.
Offshore Sportsbooks
Offshore sportsbooks are online betting platforms located outside the United States that accept wagers from residents of Nebraska and many other states. While using offshore sportsbooks is an option, it is important to note that these sites operate outside the purview of state regulations, and there can be risks associated with unregulated gambling. It’s essential for bettors to exercise caution and choose reputable offshore sportsbooks with a history of secure transactions and fair betting practices.
What Are the Best Nebraska Sportsbooks & Betting Sites?
Although online and mobile sportsbooks are not yet available in the state, it is expected that many of the industry leaders will look to enter the Nebraska market once they are legally allowed to do so. A few of the most likely candidates to launch in the Cornhusker State within the next few years are discussed below.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook is a widely recognized and reputable online sportsbook that offers a comprehensive range of sports betting options. Known for its user-friendly interface and innovative features, DraftKings provides a seamless and engaging betting experience. DraftKings offers competitive odds, a wide variety of bet types, and live betting options.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Another top-tier option is FanDuel Sportsbook, which provides a generous welcome offer to all new players and excellent customer service. FanDuel also has the best mobile app in the industry, as it is easy very reliable, well-designed, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to navigate. Users are also certain to be impressed by the wide range of alternative lines and many different prop markets offered on the platform.
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook is a trusted and well-established name in the industry. The betting site offers a comprehensive range of sports markets, competitive odds, and various bet types to cater to different betting preferences. BetMGM provides a user-friendly interface, allowing bettors to easily navigate through their offerings. In addition, live betting options, promotions, and bonuses are all offered to enhance the betting experience.
Caesars Sportsbook
Lastly, Caesars Sportsbook is well known in the industry for its incredible customer rewards program, which offers bonus bets and real-life prizes to users to reward them for their loyalty to the platform and consistent play. Furthermore, Caesars provides daily odds boosts, speedy payouts, and fantastic customer support.
Where Can I Bet on Sports in Nebraska?
Nearly all of Nebraska’s bordering states have legalized sports betting, with Missouri being the only exception. As a result, Nebraska bettors will have the option to cross state lines and place online or retail wagers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Colorado
Both online and retail sports betting launched in Colorado in May 2020. As a result, Nebraska residents in the southwestern part of the state may choose to take a quick drive over to the Centennial State to place bets on all their favorite players, teams, and leagues. You’ll be able to choose from 25 different betting sites (e.g., DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and PointsBet) as well as a dozen land-based sportsbooks in Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, and Central City.
Iowa
The vast majority of Nebraska sports bettors will look to Iowa as their safe haven for sports betting. A simultaneous online and retail sports betting launch took place in August 2019, and there are nearly 20 mobile sportsbooks available to anyone 21 years or older and physically present in the Hawkeye State. Iowa is a fantastic option for those who live in Omaha, Lincoln, or Fremont.
Kansas
Kansas online sports betting was legalized in July 2020, and sportsbooks went live on September 1, 2022. Like many other states, Kansas allows remote registrations, meaning Nebraska bettors can register and get everything set up at home and then travel across the border to place their bets whenever they’d like. In addition, in-person wagering is available at Boot Hill Casino, Kansas Star Casino, and several other retail locations across the state.
South Dakota
Although South Dakota does not offer online sports betting, retail sports betting has been legal since September 2021. Nebraska residents who live in the northern part of the state may choose to drive up to the Mount Rushmore state and place wagers on both professional and college sporting events (except in-state schools) in Deadwood, Sisseton, or Watertown.
Wyoming
Wyoming sports betting became legal in April 2021 and went live in September of the same year. There are currently four mobile sportsbooks licensed and operating in the state: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars. It is also expected that PointsBet will launch its platform in the near future, as it has already secured a license from the Wyoming Gaming Commission.
How To Sign Up & Start Betting in Nebraska
Although online sports betting is not yet legal in Nebraska, it is only a matter of time before digital sportsbooks are allowed to accept wagers in the Cornhusker State. As a result, you’ll want to be familiar with the process you’ll use to sign up and start placing bets on all your favorite sports and teams. Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose Your Sportsbook: Pick a sportsbook that is licensed and available in Nebraska. Consider factors such as reputation, available sports and bet types, promotions, and customer support. Take your time to research and compare different sportsbooks before making a decision.
- Sign Up for an Account: Begin to register for an account. Enter all requested personal information (e.g., name, date of birth, and address), choose a username and password, and agree to the site’s Terms & Conditions.
- Verify Your Information: After completing the sign-up process, some sportsbooks may require you to verify your information to ensure the accuracy and security of your account. This typically involves submitting identification documents such as a driver’s license, passport, or another form of ID.
- Make a Deposit: Use any of the payment options accepted by your sportsbook (e.g., debit/credit cards, digital wallets, online banking, or prepaid cards) to make your first deposit and add funds to your betting account.
- Claim Your Welcome Offer: Use a promo code or bonus code (if applicable) to claim your welcome offer. You will typically receive bonus bets, first-bet insurance, or deposit matches to help you get off to a fantastic start on the platform.
- Start Placing Bets: Once your account is funded, you’re ready to start placing bets. Browse the sportsbook’s available sports and leagues, choose the wager type you’re interested in, enter the stake amount, and confirm the bet. Good luck!
What Teams Can I Bet on in Nebraska?
Although there are no major league sports teams located in the state, Nebraska boasts a vibrant sports culture that captures the hearts of its residents. From the storied traditions of college athletics to the passion for nearby professional teams, the state is home to plenty of dedicated and energetic fans. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular sports teams and whether they are available to be bet on in the state of Nebraska.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Nebraska Cornhuskers represent the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in collegiate sports. They compete in the Big Ten Conference, and their football team has a rich history and a passionate fan base. Additionally, the university fields teams in various sports, including basketball, volleyball, baseball, and more. Sports bettors in Nebraska can bet on all of the Cornhuskers’ matchups on the road or those that take place outside of their home state.
Creighton Bluejays
The Creighton University Bluejays are based in Omaha, Nebraska. They compete in NCAA Division I sports and are especially well known for their success in college basketball. The Creighton men’s basketball program is one of the top teams in the Big East Conference and is always making noise in the NCAA Tournament. Just like with the University of Nebraska, Creighton games taking place outside of the state are available for betting.
Kansas City Chiefs
Although not based in Nebraska, the Kansas City Chiefs are an NFL team that enjoys a significant following in the state. Nebraska residents often support the Chiefs and follow their games closely. Led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs have won two Super Bowls over the last four years and are showing no signs of slowing down. Nebraska bettors can legally place wagers on all of the team’s games by visiting retail sportsbooks in their state.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are based in Denver, Colorado, but they also have a considerable fan base in Nebraska. As the closest NBA team geographically, many Nebraska residents support the Nuggets and follow their games.
The Nuggets have had great success in recent years, reaching the playoffs in five consecutive seasons and are on track to claim their franchise’s first NBA title. Nebraska residents can place bets on all their games online while visiting Colorado or in person at licensed retail locations in their state.
Tips & Tricks for Nebraska Sports Bettors
While there is no way to guarantee profitability and big winnings in the world of sports betting, there are a few general guidelines to follow and useful strategies to implement to increase your chances of success. Here are a few tips and tricks for Nebraska sports bettors:
- Do Your Research & Stay Informed: To place strategic and well-informed bets, you will need to do thorough research on team news, injury updates, statistical analysis, betting trends, momentum, and any other factors that could help give you an edge.
- Practice Bankroll Management: A key aspect of successful sports betting is effective bankroll management. Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket and placing large bets on single games. Instead, diversify your bets and wager a percentage of your bankroll on each wager to mitigate risks.
- Don’t Chase Your Losses: Chasing losses is when you increase your bet size or place additional bets in an attempt to recover funds lost in previous unsuccessful wagers. You’ll want to avoid this type of behavior, as it often leads to further losses and impulsive decision-making. Instead, it’s important to remain level-headed, stick to your strategy, and accept losses as part of the betting journey.
- Consider Line Movements: Keep an eye on line movements, which indicate how the betting public is influencing the odds. Significant line movements can provide insights into where the smart money is going and may influence your betting decisions.
- Learn From Your Mistakes: It’s natural to make mistakes while betting. Instead of dwelling on losses, use them as learning opportunities. Analyze your past bets to understand what went wrong and how you can improve your approach in the future.
Nebraska Sports Betting FAQ
Yes, retail sports betting was legalized in Nebraska in May 2021. Retail sportsbooks are expected to begin accepting in-person wagers in the summer of 2023. However, online or mobile sports betting is not yet available.
Yes, you can bet on college sports in Nebraska, but you will not be able to bet on in-state schools (e.g., Nebraska and Creighton) when they are playing at home or within state lines.
Online sports betting is not yet legal in Nebraska. However, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook are a few likely candidates to launch their platform in the Cornhusker State once it becomes available.
You will soon be able to bet on sports in Nebraska by visiting retail sportsbooks located throughout the state. In addition, you can visit Iowa, Colorado, Kansas, and other neighboring states to place bets using your preferred mobile sportsbook.
The legal betting age in the state of Nebraska is 21 years old.
