Sportsbook operators balk at financially backing petition drive after coalition-commissioned poll doesn't draw high enough percentage. <\/p>\n
Apr 3, 2024 13:46 ET 4 min read <\/p>\n
Barring unforeseen legislative changes, online sports betting wont be coming to Nebraska in 2024. <\/p>\n
A coalition made up of sportsbook operators FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM declined to financially back a ballot initiative to bring mobile wagering to the Cornhusker State, according to a Lincoln Journal Star report. <\/p>\n
The petition drive is needed to get a constitutional amendment vote in front of Nebraska residents by the fall that could get those online operators in the Cornhusker State. <\/p>\n
The decision was made after a coalition-commissioned poll showed in February that 57% of responding Nebraskans were in favor of the amendment. That wasnt a high enough percentage to invest the $5 million to $7 million it would take for the petition drive. <\/p>\n
If youre at 57, it creates some possibility that you could lose unless you really were to put substantial resources into it, Ho-Chunk CEO Lance Morgan told the Journal Star. It doesnt make any sense to go to war unless you have a war chest lined up. <\/p>\n
Nebraskas small population and the late timing in the voting cycle led to the decision to not pony up big dollars and fight the anti-gambling groups in the Cornhusker State. <\/p>\n
The pro-sports betting coalition partnered with WarHorse Gamings parent company Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development division of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. <\/p>\n
The group wouldve needed roughly 122,000 signees to the highly expensive, labor-intensive petition to complete the ballot initiative. <\/p>\n
Morgan told the Journal Star that the sportsbooks likely have their sites and spending set on more lucrative markets. <\/p>\n
Legalizing in-person retail sports betting at casinos was passed by voters in 2021, but the online form continues to be a struggle. <\/p>\n
The Nebraska legislature could bypass the need for the constitutional amendment by legalizing sports betting in Nebraska, but it hasnt shown much interest in doing so, despite Ho-Chunks persistence. <\/p>\n
Its unlikely that will change this year or next, and 2026 is the earliest that a pro-sports betting coalition would look to fund a petition to get it on the ballot. <\/p>\n
For the time being, Nebraskans will have to visit WarHorse Casino in Lincoln or at the gaming companys temporary Omaha site, where a full casino is set to open later this year. <\/p>\n
Neighboring states Colorado, Iowa, and Kansas offer legal online sports betting. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Originally posted here:<\/p>\n
Nebraska's Online Sports Betting Hopes for 2024 Likely Over, Coalition Reportedly Won't Back Petition Drive - Covers<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sportsbook operators balk at financially backing petition drive after coalition-commissioned poll doesn't draw high enough percentage. Apr 3, 2024 13:46 ET 4 min read Barring unforeseen legislative changes, online sports betting wont be coming to Nebraska in 2024. A coalition made up of sportsbook operators FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM declined to financially back a ballot initiative to bring mobile wagering to the Cornhusker State, according to a Lincoln Journal Star report Continue reading