Nebraska Online Sports Betting Guide 2024
Eager to place a sports bet in Nebraska, but unsure how to? While its neighbors like Iowa and Kansas have budding betting markets, Nebraska is still one of the states in the US with limited sports wagering options.
Although the jurisdiction has legalized sports betting, the sector remains largely untapped. You are on the right page if you want to learn about Nebraska’s sports betting industry.
In this guide, we will cover the legal landscape of sports wagering in the Cornhusker State, as well as its best sports betting platforms and more.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Learn whether online sports betting is legal or not in Nebraska.
- Find out the best land-based NE sportsbooks.
- Discover top alternatives to online sports betting in Nebraska.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Nebraska?
No, online sports betting is currently not legal in Nebraska, but retail sports betting is. 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.
Our Alternative to Online Sportsbooks in Nebraska: Sweepstakes Bookmakers
While you can’t wager on sports online 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 two sweepstakes bookmakers in Nebraska.
Fliff
Fliff is a leading social sportsbook in Nebraska that offers a unique approach to traditional sports betting. The site features a wide range of games that you can predict and win exciting cash prizes, including basketball, football, soccer, baseball, and more.
The Fliff app itself is built like a mobile sportsbook. You can make predictions on familiar bet types like moneyline, props, and point spreads. In-play or live wagering is also an available option on this platform.
Fliff utilizes a dual-token system that forms the basis of the rewards on the site; Fliff Coins and Fliff Cash. Fliff Coins are for entertainment purposes and have no monetary value, while you can convert Fliff Cash into real money and gift cards.
Note that you can’t directly purchase Fliff Cash. Instead, you can buy a package that includes it or receive it as a promotion or when you perform other tasks on the platform. As a Nebraskan, you can participate in several promotions to obtain Fliff Cash, like welcome bonuses, daily predictions, social media contests, referrals, and more.
Rebet
Founded in 2024, Rebet is relatively new to the sweepstakes gaming industry. The platform promises a fresh predictive betting experience with its modern design and user-friendly interface.
Like a modern sportsbook, Rebet offers an immersive wagering journey covering over 60 professional and college sports leagues. You can make predictions about popular leagues like the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, MLS, UFC, and more.
Additionally, the sweepstakes bookmaker provides its users with various opportunities to earn its two tokens, Rebet Coins and Rebet Credits. These include a sign-up bonus for new members, daily login rewards, contests, social sharing, and a referral program.
While Rebet Coins have no monetary value, you can use them to enter predictive games and contests where you can win Rebet Credits. You can redeem Rebet Credits for cash prizes, merchandise, and other rewards.
How to Bet on Sports in Nebraska?
As long as you are 21 years old, you are eligible to participate in sports betting in Nebraska. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to start wagering on retail bets in the Cornhusker State.
- Visit a Licensed Casino or Sportsbook: You need to get out of your home for this. But don’t worry, the sights and experience will be worth the trip. Currently, there are only two retail locations offering in-person sports betting in Nebraska:
- Head to the Sportsbook Area: Locate the sportsbook area in the casino. Thanks to the clear signage and vibrant displays, it shouldn’t be difficult to find. At WarHorse Casino, the sportsbook is situated near the entrance, with comfortable seating and ten betting kiosks.
- Get the Betting Sheets: The betting sheets are usually placed by the cashier at the front of the sportsbook. They contain all the information you need to know about the bookie’s betting options for the day, including the games and bet types.
- Find a Seat: Once you have a betting sheet, find a seat, then check the matches you are interested in wagering on and their rotation or ID numbers. You can circle the games you want to bet on, write down the ID numbers, and note the amount you wish to wager on each game. Don’t worry, the sheet is now yours.
- Go to the Betting Kiosk/Window: Walk to the teller and read off or hand them your sheet, along with the amount of money you want to wager. The staff will process your bets and give you a ticket or receipt as confirmation.
Now, you can entertain yourself with live sports matches on the HD screens or other attractions of the sportsbook. If your bet wins, you will take your ticket to the cashier for your winnings.
My experience: Following this process, I placed my first bet on a Huskers game, and it was exciting to watch the match on the big screens while cheering with fellow fans. Keep in mind that you can only wager on a Nebraskan college team when they are playing outside the state.
Popular Sports and Teams in Nebraska Betting Scene
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.
Example: Whenever the Cornhuskers face border rivals like the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Missouri Tigers, the excitement usually results in a betting frenzy. Nebraska residents eagerly place wagers on their team to win, cover the spread, or pull off an upset.
Other factors like player injuries and coaching decisions also influence betting trends in Nebraska.
Example: In 2018, Cornhuskers’ star quarterback Adrian Martinez had a knee injury in the ending moments of a Colorado match that would make him unable to play the next game against the Troy Trojans.
As a result, betting odds shifted to the Trojans, making the Alabama team the favorite for the match. It also led to a surge in bets on Troy, even among bettors in Nebraska. As predicted, the Cornhuskers struggled without their quarterback and lost the game.
Upcoming Events
Whether you are a fan or a sports betting enthusiast, Nebraska’s in-state college teams are always a delight to look forward to. Below, find our updated list of upcoming sports events in Nebraska to make sure you never miss the action.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Lottery: You can purchase lottery tickets for games like Powerball and Mega Millions in the state.
Maximizing Your Bets
From transportation costs to the sportsbook and actual bets you place, you are investing in your Nebraska sports betting experience. To make the most out of it, you need to optimize your betting strategy.
Find below our expert tips to get the best returns on your bets at Nebraska sportsbooks.
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.
My experience: I learned the hard way when I wagered on a favorite team to win a game without considering the poor performance on the road. Of course, they lost, and I lost a significant amount of money. Research the teams, head-to-head results, previous performances, player injuries, and other statistics.
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.
Having seen Nebraska sports bettors, especially beginners, make mistakes at physical sportsbooks that cost them their funds or precious time, adding some valuable retail betting tips is essential.
- Have your cash: The sportsbooks available in Nebraska do not accept credit or debit cards.
- Make sure you tell the tellers your bet amount, match ID number and the bet type. For instance, $20 on 150 (game ID) spread.
- Confirm the ticket and ensure it’s correct before walking away from the kiosk. Once you do, you can’t go back later and change the information.
- Don’t lose your ticket.
Understanding Taxes and Payouts
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.
Do you know that Nebraska’s neighbor, Colorado, has one of the largest online sports betting markets in the US? Learn more here.