A Nebraska lawmaker wants to overturn the state’s restriction on in-state college sports betting.
Tom Brandt has presented Legislative Bill 63, which would change the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act to allow pre-match and live wagering on in-state collegiate sporting events. The bill, co-sponsored by Sens. Danielle Conrad and Stan Clouse, modifies a regulated market that only allows retail wagering.
Nebraska will open its retail sports betting market in 2023, with wagering limited to licensed casinos. After former Gov. Pete Ricketts signed the regulatory framework, the state authorized retail betting.
Brandt’s campaign to bring in-state college betting to Nebraska presents a promising prospect for sports fans and operators in the state, given its rich history of college athletics.
Nebraska hosts major events at the University of Nebraska and Creighton University. It also houses the Summit League’s University of Nebraska-Omaha.
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Online sports betting initiatives in Nebraska
Last August, during a special legislative session, lawmakers attempted to bring online sports betting to Nebraska, but the effort failed after Sen. Elliot Bostar and others submitted an amendment to the state’s Gaming Act. Bostar introduced LR3CA, a proposal for online sports betting through licensed casinos, during the 17-day special session.
LR3CA failed to advance throughout the session despite not being debated on the Senate floor. Last year, a group of 13 Nebraska senators expressed opposed to online gambling.
Similar laws outside of Nebraska
Last year, New Jersey Assemblyman Michael Venezia presented Resolution 140, which would change the state constitution to legalize wagering on “all college sports or athletic events.” The bill, which has been referred to the New Jersey Legislature’s Assembly Tourism, Gaming, and the Arts Committee, affects all state-licensed operations.
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