Nebraska has made significant strides in legalizing sports betting over the past few years. The process started in March 2021 when the state legislature passed a bill allowing retail sports betting.
This was followed by the signing of LB 561 by Governor Pete Ricketts in May 2021, which permitted in-person Nebraska sports betting at approved locations. In October 2022, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission approved rules for sports betting.
However, the necessary infrastructure for casinos to accept bets was lacking. This situation changed in 2023, with WarHorse Gaming announcing plans to construct a new facility in Omaha and Lincoln.
Despite delays, the WarHorse Casino Lincoln opened its new NE sportsbook in June 2023, becoming the first legal Nebraska sports betting location in the state.
The casino allows betting through a window or at kiosks. However, the state had to postpone its go-live date beyond its planned Memorial Day launch.
As of now, WarHorse Casino is the only location in Nebraska where sports betting is legal. Other casinos must apply for vendor licenses to offer legal Nebraska sportsbooks.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Nebraska’s sports betting journey, emphasizing key partnerships, significant achievements, and prominent betting locations.
Address: 7055 S 1st St, Lincoln, NE 68512
Phone Number: +1 800-999-2776
WarHorse Casino stands as Nebraska’s leading gaming hub, boasting a vast 9,000-square-foot space dedicated to gaming enthusiasts. With over 400 advanced slot machines, video poker, and simulcast horse racing, the casino offers a diverse gaming experience. Over 100 TVs are strategically positioned, allowing guests to watch horse races from across the country while earning reward points.
The casino made headlines when David Anderson, vice president of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association, placed one of the first ceremonial bets on an upcoming NCAA football game between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Minnesota Golden Gophers, as reported by the Omaha World-Herald.
Although betting on in-state college football games is currently prohibited in Nebraska, the casino’s launch in June has opened doors for NFL betting throughout the season. NFL games are typically the most wagered events in the country on a weekly basis.
Bettors must be at least 21 years old to participate, with a minimum bet set at $5. WarHorse Casino has also teamed up with sports betting technology company Kambi to deliver reliable wagering platforms and betting odds. This partnership further enhances the betting experience at the casino, making it a go-to destination for Nebraska sports betting.
Overall, Nebraska trails slightly behind most neighboring states when it comes to Nebraska sportsbooks. Nebraska lawmakers decided to remain on the sidelines when the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban (PASPA) on sports betting.
The neighboring states are more advanced in terms of sports betting legislation and implementation. It remains to be seen if B&M sportsbooks in Nebraska will follow suit and embrace the growing trend of sports betting.
On the other hand, South Dakota has been more progressive in its approach to sports betting. The state legalized sports betting in 2021 and already has four active casinos featuring a retail sportsbook. Mobile betting is also allowed but only on casino property. This makes South Dakota a more attractive destination for sports betting enthusiasts in the region.
Let’s take a look at land-based sports wagering options in South Dakota:
Address: 360 Main St , Deadwood , SD 57732
Phone Number: (605) 578-1500
Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort is a haven for sports betting enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of betting markets. The resort has an exclusive partnership with BetMGM, a leading sports betting platform, to provide live sports betting odds.
From Major League Baseball, NBA, UFC, to the Olympics and NASCAR, the resort offers a wide array of sports markets, making it a top destination for bettors.
The resort’s commitment to providing a comprehensive sports betting experience is evident in its regular email updates, which provide bi-weekly sports tips and casino promotions. This feature ensures that patrons are always up-to-date with the latest sports betting trends and casino offers.
Beyond sports betting, Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort offers a remarkable dining experience. The resort is home to several restaurants, each with its own specialty. Guadalajara’s, Flyt Steakhouse, Earl of Sandwich, Marco’s Pizza, and Made Market promise a culinary journey that caters to every palate.
The nightlife at Cadillac Jack’s is equally impressive, with the Lobby Bar, Casino Bar, and Blackjack Bar offering an excellent venue for relaxation after a day of gaming. The resort also hosts live events regularly, adding an extra layer of entertainment to your stay.
With a sprawling 18,000 square feet of gaming space, Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort is a premier destination for gaming and entertainment. Whether you’re a sports betting aficionado or a food lover, this resort is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Address: 665 Main St, Deadwood, SD, 57732
Phone Number: (605) 559-1400
In the historic town of Deadwood, South Dakota, the Gold Dust Casino and Hotel stands as a testament to the state’s progressive approach to gambling.
The Gold Dust Sportsbook was launched on September 9th, 2021, just in time for the first game of the 2021 NFL season between Tampa Bay and Dallas. This legal sportsbook, operated by ISI Race & Sports, was launched through iSports Stand Kiosks and placed in the two casinos.
The casino in the hotel features a sportsbook, available through multiple kiosks. Across the street in a Holiday Inn Express, the Gold Dust operates another casino called the 777.
Both casinos offer sports betting, but the Gold Dust Casino has the upper hand with three times the number of TVs to track all of the live sporting events. Large screens were installed to allow patrons to watch the games and bets unfold in real time.
The casinos house 75 slot machines and offer multiple live table games, including virtual roulette. Open 24 hours a day, the casinos cater to the needs of gambling enthusiasts at all times.
The Gold Dust Sportsbook requires bettors to be at least 21 years old. It also enforces a $1000 maximum betting limit. However, it is important to note that bets on college sports teams located in South Dakota are not allowed.
Address: 601 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732
Phone Number: +1 800-847-2522
The Mineral Palace Sportsbook, located in the heart of Deadwood’s Historic Main Street, is an exciting destination for sports betting enthusiasts.
With a wide array of sports to bet on, including basketball, Olympic games, fighting, racing, football, rugby, golf, soccer, tennis, and rodeo, there’s something for every sports fan.
Bettors can expect live odds, prop bets, futures, and various other bet types on a multitude of sports, offering a comprehensive and engaging betting experience.
Whether you opt for a lavish VIP suite or a comfortable single or double standard room, you’ll appreciate the chic decor and roomy spaces. Every room is equipped with sizeable bathrooms, coffee machines, hair dryers, and safes for your valuables. Benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi access across the entire property. Indulge in an intimate dining experience with room service provided by the Gem Steakhouse & Saloon.
Dining at the Gem Steakhouse & Saloon is a must. You can enjoy a delicious in-room meal with room service from the restaurant. The Mineral Palace Hotel & Casino also hosts various events and promotions, adding to the entertainment value of your stay.
The Mineral Palace Sportsbook provides a comprehensive sports betting experience in a comfortable and enjoyable environment, making it a top choice for sports betting in Deadwood.
As it stands, the only legal offline sportsbook in Nebraska is the WarHorse Casino in Lincoln. Bettors looking for additional options or Nebraska sports betting alternatives will need to travel to neighboring states like South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Kansas.
Nebraska’s racetracks have long been renowned and are essential destinations for ardent race enthusiasts. The infrastructure is meticulously kept up to date with all the latest conveniences, and cutting-edge technologies are employed throughout. Each track boasts its unique flair, so if you have some leisure time, it’s worth exploring each one.
For those planning a gambling trip, casino resorts have a limited option in Nebraska due to the state’s strict gambling laws. This has led to a scarcity of such venues within the state. However, the areas surrounding the state’s most popular race tracks provide numerous opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Here are a few casino resorts located in South Dakota that Nebraskans and visitors can enjoy.
Check out our US gambling laws by state guide to learn more about how each state’s gambling legislature differs.
The geographical positioning of the state restricts the possibilities for gambling on cruise ships and riverboats. Other states such as Florida, Louisiana, and Georgia provide opportunities to enjoy casino games and place bets during your cruise.
The Nebraska sports betting landscape is somewhat limited due to the state’s strict gambling laws. Despite this, there are some options available for sports enthusiasts who are looking to place bets on their favorite games.
Here are the sports you can bet on at local land-based Nebraska sportsbooks:
If you make your way to one of the Nebraska casinos with sports betting options, such as Cadillac Jacks Gaming Resort, then you can take advantage of various sports from Major League Baseball, NBA, UFC, to the Olympics and NASCAR.
Nebraska’s betting landscape is not as progressive as those in other states with more advanced legal sports betting systems. The state has already curiously limited prop betting opportunities, particularly those involving college athletes, which are off-limits for Nebraska bettors.
However, the staple types of Nebraska sports betting are still available in the state:
Nebraska may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of professional and college sports, but it’s home to a number of successful teams. Whether you’re a fan of football, basketball, or other sports, there’s likely a team in Nebraska that you can cheer for. Below is a table listing some of the notable professional and college teams in Nebraska:
| Team | Sport | League |
| Nebraska Cornhuskers Football | Football | NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision |
| Nebraska Cornhuskers Basketball | Basketball | NCAA Division I |
| Omaha Mavericks | Various | NCAA Division I |
| Creighton Bluejays | Various | NCAA Division I |
| Omaha Storm Chasers | Baseball | AAA Minor League Baseball |
| Lincoln Saltdogs | Baseball | American Association of Independent Professional Baseball |
| Omaha Beef | Indoor Football | Champions Indoor Football |
| Omaha Lancers | Ice Hockey | United States Hockey League |
| Nebraska Danger | Indoor Football | Indoor Football League |
| Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights | Ice Hockey | American Hockey League |
| Nebraska Bugeaters FC | Soccer | United Premier Soccer League |
| Lincoln Stars | Ice Hockey | United States Hockey League |
| Omaha Heart | Football | Legends Football League |
| Creighton Bluejays Men’s Soccer | Soccer | NCAA Division I |
| Nebraska Cornhuskers Volleyball | Volleyball | NCAA Division I |
The history of Indian gaming tribes in Nebraska is deeply rooted in the state’s history. The presence of these tribes dates back centuries, and their cultural and societal contributions are significant. However, the history of Indian gaming in Nebraska is more recent and is linked to the wider history of Indian gaming in the United States.
In 1988, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) was enacted by the federal government. This legislation allowed federally recognized tribes to operate gaming establishments on their lands as a means of promoting tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong tribal governments. The Act provides a statutory basis for the operation and regulation of Indian gaming.
Like many other states, Nebraska has a number of Indian gaming tribes that operate casinos. These tribes have successfully used gaming as a means to generate revenue, provide employment opportunities, and fund tribal government operations and programs.
Here is a list of the Indian gaming tribes in Nebraska:
Gambling addiction is a serious issue that can have profound impacts on an individual’s life and their loved ones. It’s important to understand that help is available for those struggling with this addiction in Nebraska.
Various organizations and companies in the state are dedicated to providing support, counseling, responsible gambling tips, and treatment to individuals dealing with a gambling addiction. They offer a range of services from therapy to self-help resources and are committed to helping individuals regain control over their lives.
Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program: This program offers a variety of services including counseling and treatment for problem gamblers and their families.
Contact: 1-833-BETOVER (238-6837)
Nebraska Council on Compulsive Gambling: This council provides resources, public awareness, and education on problem gambling.
Contact: (402) 552-7557
Gamblers Anonymous Nebraska: This is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. They hold regular meetings across the state.
Contact: (402) 473-7933
National Problem Gambling Helpline: Available 24/7, all calls are confidential.
Contact: 1-800-522-4700
Please note that it’s always best to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance and support if you or a loved one is struggling with a gambling addiction.
In Nebraska, the state collects a 20% tax on all gross revenues from Nebraska sports betting. Additionally, players must pay up to 24% in federal taxes to the IRS. It is important to note that these taxes are typically withheld and paid to the authorities on the player’s behalf by the NE sportsbooks.
Remember, the specifics of how to report these earnings can vary, but typically, winnings are reported as ‘other income’ on federal tax returns. Taxpayers should also keep a detailed record of their gambling winnings and losses as documentation.
For additional information on how gambling taxes work in each state, feel free to check out our online gambling tax guide.
Nebraska gambling laws, particularly those pertaining to online gambling, are somewhat outdated and ambiguous. Section 28 of the Nebraska code makes it illegal to participate in games of chance for money or to promote unlawful gambling operations. Despite the rise of online gambling platforms, these regulations do not specifically mention online sportsbooks.
As such, Nebraska residents do not have access to any legal land-based or online Nebraska sportsbooks. Using offshore Nebraska sportsbooks is considered illegal and constitutes a Class II or Class IV misdemeanor. This means that playing over the internet is considered a misdemeanor, depending on the amount of money wagered per day.
Poker players in Nebraska face similar restrictions. They do not have access to any legal live poker options unless they travel to one of the neighboring states. Playing on offshore sites also constitutes a misdemeanor. However, Nebraska residents do have unrestricted access to popular social poker sites, such as Zynga Poker.
Despite these restrictions, there is currently no indication that Nebraska plans to regulate online gambling anytime soon. Therefore, the current situation is not expected to change in the foreseeable future. However, if anything changes, we’ll be sure to update this section.
In the meantime, for more details on betting at top-notch casinos and the safest online sportsbooks, refer to these articles.
Currently, it’s not possible to place bets on Nebraska college teams during their home games. According to LB561, wagers are only permitted on Nebraska teams when they are playing away. Therefore, betting on the Cornhuskers basketball or football team during their home games in Lincoln is not allowed.
Nebraska online sports betting has few regulations, as the state limits this form of gambling. However, in-person wagering stipulates that bettors must be 18 years or older to place bets legally, or else they are ineligible.
Other gambling options available in Nebraska include horse race betting at local racetracks and off-track facilities, as well as bingo. However, popular online betting platforms like TVG and TwinSpires are not licensed in Nebraska.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operate in a legal gray area in Nebraska. Companies such as FanDuel and DraftKings are allowed to operate, claiming their contests are based on skill rather than luck.
The legal gambling age in Nebraska is 18 for horse race betting and bingo and 19 for lottery games and keno.
The fiscal note from the legislature predicts that six racetracks will evolve into gaming operators, yielding around $37 million in total revenue for the fiscal year 2021-22. This projected amount is expected to leap to $245.3 million for the fiscal year 2022-23. The anticipated tax contributions to the state from these revenues are approximately $7.4 million and $49.1 million, respectively.
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