Nebraska becomes latest US state to launch sports betting
Sportsbook at WarHorse Casino accepts first bet in retail-only market
Nebraska accepted its first legalized wager on June 22, becoming the latest US state to launch regulated sports betting.
The WarHorse Casino in Lincoln took the honors, unveiling the first – and for the time being, only – sportsbook in the state, which is operating under a retail-only model. According to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission (NRGC), Grand Isle Casino Resort and Harrah’s Columbus Racing & Casino were also granted gaming licenses.
The WarHorse sportsbook features a bank of 10 self-service kiosks in addition to a teller window.
David Anderson, vice-president of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, placed the ceremonial first bet, a $220 wager on the University of Nebraska football team’s season-opening game versus the University of Minnesota.
The sports betting menu in Nebraska is limited, particularly around college sports, as it prohibits wagering on Nebraska teams playing in the state. However, with the Cornhuskers beginning the 2023 season on the road, Anderson was able to place the inaugural bet on his hometown team.
“It’s a monumental step,” said Anderson. “It’s history in the making, actually.”
The moment is a long time coming for Nebraskans, who voted to legalize sports betting in late 2020 before waiting well over two years for the first sportsbook to open.
The launch is nonetheless timely, with the Men’s College World Series Finals having kicked off on June 24 in Omaha.
In addition to the restriction on in-state college teams playing at home, current regulations also don’t allow for wagering on events such as international soccer or Olympic sports.
While online betting is illegal, it’s not explicitly prohibited under the state’s expanded gaming law, meaning a mobile component could be discussed in future legislative sessions.