Voters May Be Asked to Give the Legislature Constitutional Authority to Make Decisions Regarding Online Sports Betting

LINCOLN, Nebraska (August 13, 2024) — The Nebraska Legislature’s General Affairs Committee has taken initial steps toward allowing the public to vote on online sports betting. However, they stopped short of letting voters decide on the issue directly. Instead, voters may be asked to give the Legislature the constitutional authority to make decisions regarding online sports betting.

State Sen. John Cavanaugh’s amendment to Legislative Resolution 3CA, which was supported by a bipartisan group of senators, advanced the measure. However, a companion bill that would have placed this issue on the November ballot failed to pass, meaning any public vote on this issue would likely not occur until 2025.

Some senators argued that this approach would allow the Legislature to set the rules for online sports betting rather than letting a petition initiative from special interests dictate the terms. Opponents of expanded gambling, such as State Sen. John Lowe, voiced concerns about the negative impacts on individuals already struggling with financial issues.

The debate might be delayed further as Speaker John Arch indicated that there are no plans to schedule the bill during the special session, with the focus being on property tax relief and related costs. If the Legislature adjourns without addressing the proposal, it would be taken up in the regular session starting in January.

SOURCE: Online News Services.