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:
- 1887 – The state banned gambling in all forms
- 1934 – Nebraska Legislature passed an amendment legalizing horse racing
- 1958 – Charity bingo was legalized
- 1985 – Keno was legalized
- 1992 – Nebraska voters approved a state lottery
- 2004 – Voters blocked the licensing of two new casinos in NE
- 2019 – The governor of Nebraska passed the Mechanical Amusement Regulation Bill, changing regulations related to playing certain gaming machines
- 2020 – Licensed horse tracks were able to have casino-style gaming on premises
- 2021 – Legalization of sports betting
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:
| Slots machines | Legal |
| Sports betting (land-based) | Legal |
| Pari-mutuel horse racing | Legal |
| Online casinos | Not stated |
| Indian casinos | Legal |
| Charitable gambling | Legal |
| Lottery | Legal |
| Keno | Legal |
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.
- Ohiya Casino & Resort ⭐ 374 slot machines 📍 Niobrara
- Rosebud Casino ⭐ 250 slot machines, 4 table games, 2 poker tables 📍 Valentine
- Iron Horse Bar & Casino ⭐ 89 slot machines 📍 Emerson
- Native Star Casino ⭐ 84 slot machines 📍 Winnebago
- Lucky 77 Casino ⭐ 64 slot machines 📍 Walthill
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.
Is gambling legal in Nebraska?
The state is a bit conservative on that topic, but several significant changes have made some gambling activities legal in the past few years. In the overview of the Nebraska gambling laws, you will see that only tribal casinos and some lottery options are allowed.
Are there any land-based casinos in Nebraska?
With commercial casinos being banned by local regulations on state territory, Cornhuskers can enjoy several venues located at tribal reservations. These are the only licensed casinos by the Nebraska Indian gambling laws that legally offer slot machines and some table games.
Is online gambling legal in Nebraska?
At the time our article was conducted, online gambling in NE was in the grey area of the regulations, despite the new adjustments to the rules. By far, online gambling is illegal in the state. Nevertheless, the online gambling laws in Nebraska don’t clearly state that offshore operators are banned as well.
What is the legal gambling age in Nebraska?
The rules differ based on what gambling category you refer to. The legal gambling age in Nebraska ranges for legal casino, lottery, and sports betting activities. We advise you to check the legal age conditions in advance, so as not to be disappointed or involved in illegal activities.
Can I bet on sports in Nebraska?
Yes. Since the state’s legislation changed in 2021, players can bet on some sports. Nebraska sports betting laws now permit sports betting at racetracks and Daily Fantasy, but online sportsbooks are still forbidden. Stay tuned for any updates on the legal gambling status of the midwestern state of NE.