Nebraska Online Sports Betting Guide 2024
Online sports betting for real money remains illegal and unregulated in Nebraska, but fret not! The Cornhusker State provides plenty of other options for gambling enthusiasts, including online sweepstakes sportsbooks and retail sports betting. We’ll cover all this and the overall legal landscape of sports betting in the state, too, so you feel confident kickstarting your betting journey.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Understand the laws and regulations around sports betting in Nebraska.
- Find out the best online sweepstakes sportsbooks in Nebraska and what they have to offer.
Best Nebraska Sports Betting Sites
While you can’t wager on sports online for real money in Nebraska, it doesn’t mean you can’t get in on the fun. The answer is sweepstakes sportsbooks.
These platforms allow you to participate in sports betting-style games and win cash prizes. You can enter contests, predict match outcomes, and compete with other players, all from the comfort of your home.
Most importantly, you get to enjoy the action while staying legal and compliant with Nebraska’s gaming laws. Here are our top 2 sweepstakes bookmakers in Nebraska:
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Nebraska?
No, online sports betting is currently not legal in Nebraska, but retail sports betting is. However, retail sports betting has been legal since May 5, 2021, in Nebraska, when Governor Pete Ricketts signed the sports betting bill LB561 into law.
Introduced in January 2021 in the state legislature, the bill allows Nebraskans to place wagers in person at licensed racetracks in the state. However, it does not provide for online sports wagering.
There have been efforts to legalize mobile sports betting in the state, but none have been successful so far. So, it may take some time before online sportsbook apps like FanDuel and DraftKings start operating in the state.
Don’t fret, however, since you can place legal online bets in some territories neighboring Nebraska. Find them in our compiled list of legal sports betting states in the US.
How to Bet on Sports in Nebraska
If you’re 21 or older, you’re eligible to participate in sports betting in Nebraska. To get started with retail betting in the Cornhusker State, follow this guide:
1. Visit a Licensed Casino or Sportsbook: Head to one of the two available locations for in-person wagers: War Horse Casino in Lincoln or Grand Island Casino Resort in Grand Island.
2. Locate the Sportsbook Area: Upon arrival, find the sportsbook section by following the clear signage and vibrant displays.
3. Collect Betting Sheets: Pick up a betting sheet near the cashier at the entrance to get details on the day’s games and betting options.
4. Find a Seat and Prepare Your Bets: Settle into a seat, review the matches and note their ID numbers. Decide your wager amounts, circle your choices on the sheet, and jot down the necessary details.
5. Place Your Bets at the Kiosk/Window: Approach the teller with your betting sheet and cash, stating your bet clearly. As credit and debit cards aren’t accepted, ensure you have cash ready. You’ll receive a ticket as confirmation.
6. Enjoy the Experience and Check for Wins: Watch the live matches on HD screens, confirming your ticket’s accuracy before leaving. Keep your ticket safe; if you win, redeem it at the cashier for your payout.
Popular Sports and Teams to Bet on in Nebraska
Nebraska has several teams participating in collegiate and professional sports. These teams have a huge following in the state and often attract a lot of betting action.
Let’s look at some of them below:
| Sport | Team | League | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football Basketball Baseball Softball | Nebraska Cornhuskers | Big Ten Conference | About 90% of Nebraska’s college football fans support the Huskers, making them the most popular sports team in the state. |
Basketball Baseball Softball Soccer | Creighton BlueJays | Big East Conference | The BlueJays from Creighton University Omaha have a dedicated fanbase in Nebraska. |
| Basketball Baseball Softball Soccer | Omaha Mavericks | The Summit | The Mavericks have passionate fans who always tun up en masse to watch them play on-campus at Tal Anderson Field. |
| Baseball | Lincoln Saltdogs | American Association | A professional baseball team based in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Saltdogs won their first league in 2009. |
| Soccer | Union Omaha | USL League One | The team was inaugurated in 2020 and clinched the regular season championship title in 2021 |
The Impact of Local Teams on Sports Betting
Nebraska’s popular teams enjoy a strong following from the state’s residents, which typically shapes their sports betting decisions. Since the state’s beloved teams, like the Cornhuskers and Creighton Bluejays, play in the NCAA, betting activity usually focuses on collegiate sports, particularly football, and basketball.
Matchups between local teams and long-standing rivalries also draw considerable attention and betting interest.
Other factors like player injuries and coaching decisions also influence betting trends in Nebraska.
Are There More Gambling Options in Nebraska?
If you seek an alternative to sports betting, Nebraska has other betting opportunities that you can consider. These include:
- Horse racing: If you are a fan of the equestrian sport, you can participate in off-track or live horse racing betting at several racetracks in Nebraska. Notable mentions include Fonner Park in Grand Island, Horsemen’s Park in Omaha, and Lincoln Race Course.
- Daily Fantasy Sports: Major providers like DraftKings Fantasy and FanDuel accept entries from Nebraska despite the legal gray area, as state law neither explicitly forbids nor permits DFS.
- Casinos: There are five tribal casinos in Nebraska where you can play Class I and Class II casino games similar to slot machines, bingo, and video poker. The state has yet to legalize online casino gambling.
- Lottery: You can purchase lottery tickets for games like Powerball and Mega Millions in the state.
Tips and Strategies for Nebraska Bettors
To become a successful sports bettor, you need to constantly learn how to get better at sports betting. From understanding odds to managing your bankroll, these strategies will improve your overall sports wagering experience.
Understand Odds
When wagering on sports, it is crucial to understand how sports betting odds work before putting your money on the line.
Odds represent the probability of an event occurring and the amount you will win if the bet is successful. Don’t be carried away with massive odds; they probably mean the event is highly unlikely to happen. Always balance risk and reward before making a bet.
Don’t Bet with Emotions
Expert bettors will tell you to bet with your head and not your heart. Yes, you are a big fan of the Cornhuskers, perhaps the biggest, but that doesn’t mean you should wager on them to win every game. It is essential to separate your fandom from your betting strategy.
Manage your Bankroll
Learning how to manage your bankroll properly is key. Before visiting a sportsbook, it is crucial to set a budget. The financial plan should include the total amount you can afford to lose and the amount you will bet on each wager. You may be pressured to bet more, but remember to stick to your budget.
Keep in mind that to become a successful sports bettor, you need to constantly learn how to get better at sports betting. Stay updated with the latest sports wagering trends and always have a flexible betting strategy.
Nebraska Sports Betting Taxes
It is very satisfying to win big at a sportsbook, but don’t be quick to spend it all because you may need to give some to the government. Yes, ‘Uncle Sam’ wants part of your winnings, too.
According to the IRS, gambling winnings are fully taxable in Nebraska, and you must report them on your income tax. This includes winnings from:
- Sports betting
- Casinos
- Lotteries
- Daily fantasy sports
However, there is a silver lining. Your winnings have to be $600 or more or be from payout odds of over 300/1 to be tax revenue. If your payout passes this threshold, the sportsbook will send you a W-2G form to report your winnings to the IRS.
One crucial tip is to always keep records of your winnings and losses, even if your winnings are below $600. This will help you accurately report your sports betting taxes and claim any allowable deductions.
Check out our guide on how taxes work on sports betting for more information.
So, Will You Bet from Nebraska Tonight?
There are no legal online sports betting operators in the state of Nebraska, but thankfully, you can place a bet at retail sportsbooks in the jurisdiction. The wagering process is straightforward; visit the sportsbook of your choice and follow the guidelines in this article.
If you still desire an online sports betting experience, you can give our recommended NE sweepstakes a go and earn cash prizes from home. Remember always to bet responsibly and within your means.
Did you know that Nebraska’s neighbor, Colorado, has one of the largest online sports betting markets in the US? Learn more here.
