The Nebraska state legislature has announced a special session starting on July 25 to focus on property tax reform, and part of the discussion will be legislation to allow online sports betting. Governor Jim Pillen, who previously opposed online sports betting, is now backing the initiative as a way to generate revenue to reduce property taxes by 50%. Estimates suggest that online sports betting could bring in $30 million annually in tax revenue for the state.
Key players in pushing for online sports betting include casino gaming operators like Ho-Chunk, which is leading the charge to get a bill on the November ballot. They argue that online sports betting revenue would be a valuable addition to the state’s coffers, especially in comparison to neighboring Iowa’s successful market. Currently, Nebraska has only four retail sportsbooks generating limited revenue, while many residents travel to Iowa to place online bets.
To get the amendment on the ballot, the legislature would need to approve it with a 60% supermajority vote. Polling data indicates a majority of Nebraskans support online sports betting, with Ho-Chunk reporting 65% in favor. If successful, online sports betting could provide a significant boost to the state’s revenue and help achieve Pillen’s goal of reducing property taxes. The outcome of the debate in the special session will have far-reaching implications for the future of online sports betting in Nebraska.
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