Measure 440Allows online sports betting through Nebraska's licensed racetracks
Read the full text of the measure: Secretary of State ballot measures pamphlet (PDF)
In plain words
Today Nebraskans can bet on sports only in person at the state's racetrack casinos. Measure 440 would let people bet on sports online, through an authorized gaming operator at a licensed racetrack. Measure 441 sets the rules and taxes for it. (nebraskapublicmedia.org )
Before and after
| Question | Today | If it passes |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can bet on sports | Only in person at licensed racetrack casinos | Also online, offered by an authorized gaming operator at a licensed racetrack |
Numbers from the official ballot title (ballot title ); also see (newsfromthestates.com )
Biggest change
- Allows online sports betting when offered by an authorized gaming operator at the state's licensed racetracks (Grand Island, Ogallala, Lincoln, Omaha, Columbus, South Sioux City). source: newsfromthestates.com
Who it affects most: People who bet on sports, racetrack casinos, and online betting companies.
Cost to the state: Unknown for this measure alone. Tax rules are in Measure 441.
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
The constitution would allow laws that let people in Nebraska bet on sports online through an operator at a licensed racetrack.
Sports betting would stay in person only, at the racetrack casinos.
Our one-line summary. Nebraska does not publish an official "what your vote means" statement; the ballot title above is the official description.
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
Voters put this on the ballot by signing a petition. It changes the state constitution, so only another statewide vote can change it back. It passes with a majority of the votes cast on it, and the yes votes must be at least 35% of all votes cast in the election.
- Petitioners turned in more than 201,000 signatures in late June 2026. The Secretary of State certified both sports betting petitions on Aug. 21, 2026. source: nebraskapublicmedia.org
Why supporters want it
- Supporters contend (official pamphlet): Vote FOR Initiative 440 to legalize online sports wagering and direct more than $166 million to property tax relief. We know Nebraskans are already wagering on sports through illegal and offshore platforms or driving to a neighboring state where wagering is legal. This means millions of dollars in tax revenue leave our state every year. Initiative 440 keeps the money in Nebraska through a legal, regulated and secure marketplace that is projected to deliver more than $166 million in direct property tax relief to Nebraska homeowners, farmers, ranchers and small businesses over the next ten years. Legal online sports wagering will keep the money in Nebraska and generate millions of dollars in real property tax relief. Vote FOR Initiative 440. source: sos.nebraska.gov
Why opponents object
- Opponents contend (official pamphlet): Initiative Measure 440 turns every phone into a casino, every play into a wager, and every athlete into a target—sending hundreds of millions of dollars out of Nebraska to out-of-state gambling conglomerates. It is funded by out-of-state billion-dollar gambling corporations and opposed by many Nebraska leaders, players, and coaches. Online sports betting fuels corruption in sports and is one of the most common forms of abuse athletes receive, including threats of violence to themselves and their families. Every teenager with a phone will face aggressive advertising, while taxpayers and families get no real property tax relief, as casinos promised five years ago, and will be forced to pay for increased social costs. Vote AGAINST Initiative Measure 440 to protect Nebraska families, taxpayers, and student-athletes. source: sos.nebraska.gov
- Nate Grasz of the Nebraska Family Alliance, part of the Save Nebraska Sports coalition, said online platforms "are seeking to make a profit at the expense of Nebraska families, businesses, fans and student athletes." source: nebraskapublicmedia.org
Who backs each side
- For: Sponsored by Tax Relief Nebraska. WarHorse Casinos publicly backed the petitions. FanDuel and Roar Digital (an MGM company) gave more than $3.5 million combined to Tax Relief Nebraska. source: nebraskapublicmedia.org
- Against: Save Nebraska Sports coalition, including the Nebraska Family Alliance. source: nebraskapublicmedia.org
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
The official ballot title, word for word from the Secretary of State's official ballot measures pamphlet .
A vote “FOR” will amend the Nebraska Constitution to authorize the enactment of laws to allow persons located within Nebraska to place sports wagers through an Internet-based platform when offered by an authorized gaming operator conducting games of chance within a licensed racetrack enclosure in Nebraska.
A vote “AGAINST” means the Nebraska Constitution will not be amended in this manner.
Shall the Nebraska Constitution be amended to authorize the enactment of laws allowing persons located within Nebraska to place sports wagers through an Internet-based platform when offered by an authorized gaming operator conducting games of chance within a licensed racetrack enclosure in Nebraska?
For
Against
Copied word for word from the Secretary of State's 2026 Informational Pamphlet on Initiative Measures, "Ballot Title and Text for Initiative Measure 440", printed page 1 (PDF page 4): the FOR and AGAINST statements, then the question and the choices For and Against as they will appear on the ballot.
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Full text of the measure
The full text of the petition is in the official pamphlet. Read it in the Secretary of State ballot measures pamphlet (PDF) .
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