Lawmakers File Bill to Allow Betting on Nebraska College Teams
A Nebraska lawmaker has introduced a bill to repeal the state's ban on in-state college sports betting.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Legislative Bill 63, proposed by Senator Tom Brandt and co-sponsored by Senators Danielle Conrad and Stan Clouse, seeks to amend the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act. The bill would enable Nebraskans to place pre-match and live bets on in-state college sporting events.
Home to the Cornhuskers, Creighton Bluejays, and the University of Nebraska-Omaha representing the state in the Summit League, Nebraska boasts a thriving college sports scene.
Senator Brandt's push to introduce in-state college betting in Nebraska will appeal largely to the sports fans in the state who are known for their deep-rooted passion for college athletics.
The bill mirrors Resolution 140, introduced by Assemblyman Michael Venezia in the New Jersey Legislature, which seeks to reform the state constitution to permit wagering on all college sports and athletic events. The proposed legislation, now under review by the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee, would apply to all state-licensed gaming operators in New Jersey.
Since Nebraska operates a retail-only sports betting market, Brandt’s bill, if passed, will only permit in-state college betting at licensed casinos within the state.
More Regulation News
Legislative Hurdles Halt Online Expansion Plans
Legal sports betting arrived in Nebraska in 2023, following former Governor Pete Ricketts' approval of the legislation and a comprehensive regulatory review. However, wagering activities are currently restricted to licensed casinos.
In a special legislative session last August, Nebraska lawmakers made a bid to expand sports betting to online platforms. However, the initiative stalled after Sen. Eliot Bostar and other lawmakers introduced an amendment to the state's Gaming Act.
During the 17-day special session, Senator Eliot Bostar introduced Legislative Resolution 3CA (LR3CA), a proposal to allow online sports betting via licensed casinos.
Despite not being debated on the Senate floor, LR3CA failed to advance during the special session. Around that time, thirteen Nebraska state senators publicly expressed their opposition to the proposed expansion of online sports betting, further dimming the prospects of online wagering in the jurisdiction.
RELATED TOPICS: Regulation
Latest News
Most Read
Must Read
Interviews
When Helping Others Is a Life-Long Mission - An Interview with Gordon Moody CEO, Monica Shafaq
Dec 17, 2024
Interviews
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for Lawmakers File Bill to Allow Betting on Nebraska College Teams