Nebraska Gambling Laws – All NE Legal Gambling Activities

Taking the late legalization of specific betting sectors, we will elaborate on the lawful and illegal activities related to placing bets on sports and games of chance. We will also explain which online operators are approved, plus the age-appropriate casino element of the gambling laws in Nebraska.

History of the Nebraska Laws on Gambling

Despite the positive gambling scene in the past, Nebraska has long been considered an anti-gambling state. Since 1934, state officials began to outlaw gambling. It is no secret that the Nebraska laws on gambling have always been challenging.

In addition to the standard procedures, any regulation changes require a state-wide referendum. The first legalized betting activity through a constitutional element was horse racing. Before that, all forms of gambling were illegal.

The gambling laws in Nebraska have not evolved much since then, as you can see in the list below, underlining the main events leading to the gambling laws situation nowadays:

The latest events regarding the legal status of sports betting are a positive sign for the future gambling industry in NE. Still, expanding the scope of legalization has a more conservative stance. Transforming any of the Nebraska gambling laws is the most significant hurdle to completely legalizing gambling.

Legal Status of the Gambling Activities in NE

The positive approach of the Nebraska laws on gambling unlocked many doors, but some gaming options are still considered illegal on the state’s territory. The legal racetracks offering sports betting are now allowed to organize casino games.

There are also dedicated land-based Native American casinos allowed to organize Class II games based on the Nebraska Indian gambling laws. Here is an overview of the games’ legal status:

Keep in mind that only land-based venues are legal based on the gambling laws in Nebraska. With the small number of land-based casinos, the choice is limited, but with a decent variety.

When it comes to online gambling in NE, you will have to choose among offshore platforms. Local online casinos and mobile betting apps are not stated as legal in the Nebraska gambling laws.

Nebraska Indian Gambling Laws on Land-Based Casinos

Considering the Nebraska gambling laws, it is no wonder there are just five land-based venues. Moreover, all of them are Indian casinos. No commercial casinos are permitted, but you can find bingo rooms outside native territories. Below are the different venues operating under the Nebraska Indian gambling laws.

Based on the Nebraska Indian gambling laws and state regulations, opening casinos outside of reservations is currently illegal. Even so, the mentioned tribal gambling venues are not enough for the locals to enjoy, so many Cornhuskers look for gambling diversity in some bordering states.

The main destinations are Iowa and South Dakota, with their larger number of land-based casinos and gaming opportunities. Still, they are far from offering the huge diversity of games that can be seen at the best online gambling sites in the US.

Online Gambling Laws in NE

With the latest changes in the Nebraska laws on gambling, there is little scope for online casinos to be legalized in the near future. The events in 2021 led to the legalization of casino games and sports betting in pari-mutuel racetracks.

Still, the constitutional amendment did not legalize online sportsbooks or mobile betting apps. Such changes to the gambling laws in Nebraska would require another referendum and constitutional amendment, slowing the process down. 

Yet, the laws need a more explicit definition of offshore casino sites’ status. As online gambling is not legal in-state, NE residents can’t really try their luck at the best USA online casinos and the top online casino apps.

Nebraska Sports Betting Laws

Unlike the gray area in the Nebraska gambling laws regarding online casinos, local lawmakers decided to remain on the sidelines when the Supreme Court prohibited online sports betting with a federal ban.

There is currently no push for legalizing this form of gambling in the Cornhusker State. Using offshore sportsbooks is illegal by the Nebraska sports betting laws and constitutes a Class II or IV misdemeanor.

Betting on horse races and your favorite sports teams has been possible only at the local racetracks since 2021. However, the illegal status of online sports betting takes away a lot of appeal from the sports betting scene in Nebraska.

Moreover, popular online betting platforms like TwinSpires and TVG lack licenses for NE. That is why they cannot offer their services within its state lines. On the other hand, Daily Fantasy is something that can fill some of the gap.

Legal Gambling Age in Nebraska

The midwestern state implies different restrictions based on the games you want to try. That is why the legal gambling age in Nebraska varies, starting with bingo and horse racing. 

For the abovementioned options, you must be 18. Nebraska laws on gambling declare that the state lottery requires 19 years old players, and the tribal casinos allow only 21 or older gamblers on premises. 

FAQ on Nebraska Gambling Laws

At the end of our article on the gambling laws in Nebraska, we have prepared a brief but informative section. It contains the most frequent and related inquiries on the topic. 

It underlines the legal and illegal gambling activities in NE and who can participate. Review our instructive FAQ section below and be prepared for your gambling journey in the Cornhusker State.