Nebraska sports betting has been legal since the state legislature passed a bill in May 2021. While online sports betting is not yet available, bettors can place wagers at two retail locations: WarHorse Casino in Lincoln and Grand Island Casino Resort in Grand Island.
Additionally, offshore sportsbooks provide a viable alternative, offering a wide range of betting options and competitive odds. For more information on Nebraska sports betting sites, keep reading.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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2001
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100% Free Play
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2002
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55% Cash Bonus
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2011
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$750 Cash Bonus
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2001
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$250 Free Bet
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2014
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50% Free Play
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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Gov. Pillen will propose a January bill to legalize online sports betting in Nebraska, though some want it sooner. After a new permanent casino opened in Nebraska, legislators quickly began a special session and introduced an online sports betting bill.
Sports Betting Apps in Nebraska FAQs
Is DraftKings allowed in Nebraska?
No, DraftKings Sportsbook is not operating in Nebraska. While technically allowed, DraftKings has chosen not to apply for licensure to open any retail sportsbooks in the state.
Can you bet on the Kentucky Derby in Nebraska?
Yes, in addition to sports bets, Nebraska residents can bet on the Kentucky Derby at licensed horse racing tracks or by using legal betting apps like Bovada.
What is the status of sports betting in Nebraska?
Sports betting legislation passed in Nebraska in May 2021. There are two retail sportsbooks in operation in the state. Sports fans looking to place online sports bets still turn to international sites like Heritage Sports.
What gambling is legal in Nebraska?
Residents can participate in several forms of gambling including in-person sports betting, horse race betting and casino gambling. Nebraska also has a state lottery.
What betting apps can you use in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, you can use offshore sportsbooks like Bovada and BetOnline, which are legal for local players, to bet on football.
Best Nebraska Sports Betting Apps
If you are new to online gambling sites located offshore, the wide range of options available may come as a surprise. What makes this great is that online gambling is legal in their locations, so these sportsbooks are acceptable for you to use in Nebraska despite them not being regulated by any U.S. territory. All that matters is they follow the regulations of their local territory, which they do.
So, which ones should you use? We have created a top 10 list of the best offshore sportsbooks based on our grading criteria:
- BetOnline – Offers opinionated lines for Nebraskan bettors
- Bovada – Best mobile site overall
- Heritage Sports – Offers a range of betting options including live betting
- BetAnySports – Provides a top-tier prop builder
- Everygame – Features a great site design and poker tournaments
- WagerWeb – Provides fast and free crypto payouts
- SportsBetting.ag – Offers unique sports promotions
- BetUS – Provides expert analysis’ for Nebraskan users
- JustBet – Features some of the best customer service in the industry
- BookMaker – Offers early lines and fit for all bettors
Each of these highly rated mobile sportsbooks can provide Nebraska bettors with a top-notch mobile sports wagering experience.
History of Betting in Nebraska
This section outlines the significant milestones in the state’s gambling history, tracing the path from the establishment of the Gambling Control Division in 2002 to the notable growth in sports betting revenue in recent years:
Gov. Pillen will propose a January bill to legalize online sports betting in Nebraska, though some want it sooner. After a new permanent casino opened in Nebraska, legislators quickly began a special session and introduced an online sports betting bill.
Nebraska’s burgeoning casino industry marks a milestone since the first legal sports bet was placed a year ago.
Harrah’s Columbus receives approval from Nebraska regulators to open the first permanent racino in the state.
Nebraska officially launches mobile sports betting, with several operators including DraftKings and FanDuel going live. This marks a significant step in the state’s sports betting landscape, expanding beyond retail betting options.
Although sports betting in Nebraska went live, the two casinos that will be accepting retail sports betting wagers (WarHorse Casino and Elite Casino Resorts) still have businesses to take care of regarding licenses and equipment. The opening of their respective sportsbooks seems to be years away.
The WarHorse Casino in Lincoln, Nebraska’s first major casino, opens. After five weeks of operation, the casino contributes nearly $800,000 to state property tax relief.
The Nebraska Racing Commission begins issuing sports betting licenses to approved applicants.
The Nebraska Racing Commission begins accepting applications for sports betting licenses.
The new sports betting law goes into effect, allowing licensed casinos and racetracks to offer sports betting to customers.
DraftKings announces a partnership with the Twin River Worldwide Holdings, the company that owns and operates three of Nebraska’s licensed casinos, to offer online sports betting in the state once they receive their license.
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts signs a bill to regulate and legalize sports betting in the state. The bill allows for both in-person and online sports betting.
Nebraska voters approve three ballot measures related to gambling, including the authorization of all forms of games of chance at licensed horse race tracks in the state.
Nebraska Legislature introduces a bill to legalize sports betting, but it fails to gain sufficient support. This attempt highlights the growing interest and debate around sports betting in the state.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which effectively banned U.S. sports betting in 1992, is overturned by the Supreme Court, giving each state the choice to legalize sports betting.
A bill to legalize daily fantasy sports (DFS) in Nebraska was introduced but not passed. Nebraska residents are eligible to play DFS despite its legal status.
A significant push for the legalization of sports betting in Nebraska begins, with various stakeholders, including local casinos and sports leagues, advocating for the change. However, no formal legislation is passed at this time.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is passed in the United States, impacting online gambling activities across the country, including in Nebraska. This federal law restricts banks and payment processors from transacting with internet gambling sites that are unlawful under any federal or state law.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is enacted, effectively outlawing sports betting nationwide, including in Nebraska. This act shapes the sports betting landscape in the United States for the next 26 years until it is overturned in 2018.
Nebraska sees a rise in illegal sports betting activities, mirroring a nationwide trend. Despite its illegality, sports betting has become a popular underground activity among Nebraska residents.
Nebraska’s timeline of gambling and sports betting reflects a narrative of regulatory adaptation, market evolution and legislative foresight. The state has navigated a complex path from its early regulatory frameworks to the burgeoning sports betting market of recent years.
Reviews of the Best Nebraska Betting Apps
We are going to dive deeper into our top five online sports betting sites, all of which have received a top rating from Bookmakers Review:
1. BetOnline: Take Advantage of Opinionated Lines
Key Features:
- Opinionated lines on top markets
- Great variety of poker tournaments
At BetOnline, you can get opinionated lines not found elsewhere on baseball, basketball and football. You also get the most competitive lines in the industry for NHL games.
BetOnline offers practical gambling tips that guide users towards making informed decisions. These tips focus on understanding odds, managing bankrolls and betting strategies, helps bettors improve their game.
New users can get a stellar welcome bonus on their first deposit (up to $250 in free bets and 100 free spins) with exclusive BetOnline promo codes. They also have good reload bonuses that are offered frequently and you can always expect high limits and fast payouts with BetOnline.
2. Bovada: Excellent Choice for Prop Picks
Key Features:
- Outstanding mobile site
- Best for props
Bovada no longer offers a downloadable app for the sportsbooks section but, if you visit the Bovada mobile site, you can add it to the home screen on your mobile device for quick access.
The user interface makes it easy to use and place bets, live or otherwise, for a wide variety of sports markets globally. We like the way things are organized on the site, making it easy to find the markets we want to bet on.
Bovada is no slouch when it comes to offering casino games. But the heart of the sportsbooks is the props builder that makes it easy to build parlays on any sport such as NFL, NBA or NHL. There are also plenty of promo codes at Bovada for additional value.
3. Heritage Sports: Ideal for Live Betting
Key Features:
- The reduced juice-cashback program is a must-have for serious bettors
- Site works great for live betting
Formerly an invite-only service, Heritage Sports is open to everyone in Nebraska for one of the best online sports betting experiences available. Live betting is great on the mobile site and you can select from a variety of different leagues globally. Bettors can take advantage of the swift odds updates and detailed in-game statistics to make informed decisions.
The welcome bonuses is a generous one with new depositors receiving a 100% free play bonus up to $500 , and you can consistently get cash back through the reduced juice cashback program. This also applies to the casino and racebook, so win or lose, you can always make back some bonus money the more you bet on Heritage Sports. That bonus money can then be used in any section of the site.
The perks also feel more personalized as you can get a free parlay for your birthday and every eighth deposit is on the house.
4. BetAnySports: Top-Tier Prop Builder
Key Features:
- The Less Juice Package has lines as low as -105
- Prop builder is great
BetAnySports is our fifth top-graded online sportsbook from Costa Rica. It gets an A+ grade for having a top-tier props builder, a deep selection of global sports markets, plenty of live betting options, useful customer service and the best reduced juice (-105) betting lines available in the online sports betting industry. Plus, you’ll get some of the most competitive odds available in Nebraska.
BetAnySports’ prop builder is a game changer for bettors. It lets users craft their own unique bets on player and game performances. This tool is user-friendly and offers a flexible way to bet, making it ideal for those who want a more tailored betting experience.
5. BookMaker: Welcomes Players of All Experience Levels
Key Features:
- Best access to early betting lines
- Large wagering limits
Bookmaker.eu is a well-respected online sportsbook from Costa Rica that has earned its reputation for releasing the earliest betting lines on sports. Combine this with high limits and it makes BookMaker an ideal spot for sharp sports bettors looking to get the most value on their bets.
But you can also do live betting on the BookMaker mobile site, which is optimized to run well on a small screen. With real-time odds and quick updates, bettors can place and change bets during the game. BookMaker’s loyalty program is a three-tier one that can earn up to 20% cash on your reload bonuses (up to $2,500).
The sign-up bonus at BookMaker is worth up to $500 in bonus money (10x rollover). Additionally, the refer-a-friend program is also one of the best and the loyalty program is top-notch.
Is sports betting legal in Nebraska?
Nebraska legalized sports betting in 2021, allowing for in-person wagering at approved racinos, which are racetrack-casino hybrids. As of now, there are two locations where you can legally place bets: WarHorse Casino in Lincoln and Grand Island Casino Resort in Grand Island.
However, offshore sportsbooks are the best option for Nebraska residents wanting to get in on the online sports betting scene. These platforms, such as Bovada and BetOnline, operate legally outside U.S. jurisdiction and provide many advantages, including a wide range of betting options, competitive odds and generous bonuses.
How We Rank the Best Nebraska Betting Apps & Mobile Sites
A grading system is only as good as its inputs. Bookmakers Review uses a long list of criteria to grade each online gambling site. We wanted to share some of the factors we are looking at when we grade these sites. These are all important metrics no matter if you are looking to bet on sports, play poker or engage in casino games:
Mobile Betting Experience
Most bets are going to be placed on a phone these days, so it is crucial to have a site that is well-designed for use for mobile betting. We want the mobile option to look good on a small screen so that we can see all the pertinent information when placing a wager.
We also want a site that avoids lag or login issues so that we can deposit funds and place wagers in a timely fashion. The mobile option should be easy to navigate so we can find all the sports leagues we want to bet on and build parlays without hassle, just like we expect with the online version.
Live Mobile Betting & Streaming
Live betting is becoming one of the greatest features of mobile betting. Being able to hedge a bet you made before the game started to perhaps save a parlay is just one of the many great perks of live betting. If you are watching the game, you might have a feel for which player is going to do something great and can bet on it on the spot.
So, we definitely give a sportsbook a good grade for having a live betting section that is robust and has high limits along with a mobile option. Streaming is also something ideal to see, though not many offshore online betting sites have secured the rights to broadcast professional leagues. But you might be able to watch an e-sports contest on one of these sites or some horse racing.
Banking Options
If a site is going to qualify for an A+ rating, it will likely need to have a diverse set of methods for deposits and withdrawals. The more banking options the better, as you never know what a person will prefer to use.
Some just want to use their credit card or a debit card and some will prefer P2P apps or Bitcoin betting, where transactions are usually the fastest and always free. Some may even want to negotiate a cash payout, which is possible at select sites.
You just have to read each site’s payment options to see what the associated fees and processing times are for each method. Be mindful of any minimum deposit requirements based on the deposit method you choose.
Customer Service
Similar to the banking options, the best way to achieve a high grade for customer service is to offer as many methods of contract as possible. Some people will prefer emails while some would like a traditional phone call service with an operator always standing by. Live chat is also a great modern feature for customer service.
Regardless of service options, we want to see a site offer 24/7 support, which most of the A+ rated online sportsbooks do have.
Licensing & Security
Your safety matters when sharing personal and financial info with any website. Fortunately, we can guarantee you that the offshore sportsbooks we promote are vetted and reputable, legitimate companies with years of proven experience in the sports betting industry. You can search for licensing information on their sites, but we would never recommend a shady site to anyone.
Popular Sports to Bet on in Nebraska
Nebraska may not have professional sports teams in every major league, but the state still offers plenty of exciting betting opportunities. Fans in Nebraska are passionate about their sports, and there are several popular options for placing wagers.
Football – NFL
Football is huge in Nebraska, even though the state doesn’t have its own NFL team. Many fans root for nearby teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings. Betting on the NFL is a popular activity, especially during the Super Bowl. Fans often place wagers on point spreads, moneylines and prop bets. The excitement around NFL Sundays makes football betting a favorite pastime for many Nebraskans.
College Football
College football is the heart of Nebraska sports. The Nebraska Cornhuskers have a long history and a dedicated fan base. Betting on college football is common, with fans placing bets on point spreads, over/under totals and player performances. The passion for the Cornhuskers makes every game an event, and the betting action is just as intense.
Basketball – NBA
While Nebraska doesn’t have an NBA team, many locals follow nearby teams like the Denver Nuggets and the Chicago Bulls. Betting on NBA games, especially during the playoffs, is popular. Common bets include point spreads, total points and individual player stats. The fast-paced nature of basketball keeps fans engaged, and the betting options are plentiful.
College Basketball
Nebraska’s college basketball scene centers around the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Creighton Bluejays. Betting on college basketball, especially during March Madness, is a highlight for many fans. Wagers typically focus on point spreads, total points and player performances. The intensity of college basketball makes it a thrilling sport to bet on.
Baseball – MLB
Baseball fans in Nebraska often support teams like the Kansas City Royals or the Chicago Cubs. Betting on MLB games is popular throughout the long season. Common bets include run lines, totals and player props. With so many games, there are always opportunities to place a wager.
Hockey – NHL
Hockey may not be as big in Nebraska as in other states, but there’s still interest in teams like the Colorado Avalanche and the Chicago Blackhawks. Betting on NHL games, particularly during the Stanley Cup playoffs, is growing in popularity. Fans often bet on moneylines, point spreads and total goals. The fast-paced action of hockey makes it an exciting sport to follow and bet on.
Nebraska Sports Betting Teams
Nebraska has never been home to a major professional sports team in the NFL, MLB, NHL or NBA. However, it is home to a United Premier Soccer League team with one of the most unique names in sports: Nebraska Bugeaters FC.
But Nebraska is known for one of the most successful college football programs in the nation with the Nebraska Cornhuskers claiming five national championships in their history.
Here are the most notable college sports teams in Nebraska:
- Division I: Nebraska Cornhuskers, Creighton Bluejays, Omaha Mavericks
- Division II: Chadron State Eagles, Nebraska-Kearney Lopers, Wayne State Wildcats
- Division III: Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves
These college teams, in particular the college football teams, often draw a large amount of attention during each of their collegiate games.
Payment Options for Nebraska Bettors
When it comes to sports betting in Nebraska, understanding your payment methods is key. It’s not just about placing bets, but also about how you can deposit and withdraw your winnings. Most sportsbooks offer a variety of payment and withdrawal options, catering to the preferences of different users:
- Credit Cards & Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted, offering instant deposits. However, some banks may restrict transactions with gambling sites.
- E-Wallets: PayPal, Skrill and Neteller provide a secure way to deposit and withdraw without sharing bank details with the sportsbook. Transactions are usually quick and may come with minimal fees.
- Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers are a reliable method for larger transactions. While secure, they can be slower than other options.
- Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards, like Paysafecard, offer a way to deposit cash without a bank account or credit card. They’re perfect for those looking for added privacy.
- Online Banking: Services like Trustly enable bettors to make payments directly from their bank account without needing to use a debit or credit card.
- Cryptocurrencies: Some sportsbooks are beginning to accept cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, offering anonymity and sometimes faster transactions.
Withdrawal times can vary based on the method chosen. For instance, e-wallets often offer quicker withdrawal times compared to bank transfers. It’s crucial to check the specifics of each method. Understanding the expected time frame helps manage your expectations and plan your finances.
Make sure you understand the details of each banking option. This knowledge ensures your betting journey is smooth, letting you focus on making those winning picks.
Popular Types of Bets in Nebraska
Sports betting in Nebraska includes a variety of bet types suitable for both newcomers and seasoned bettors. Here’s a simplified overview of the most common bets you’ll encounter:
- Moneyline Bets: Choose who you think will win. Favorites are marked with negative odds (e.g., -150), meaning you’d bet $150 to win $100. Underdogs have positive odds (e.g., +130), where a $100 bet wins $130.
- Spread Bets: Bet on whether the favored team will win by more than the set point spread. It makes both teams appealing for bettors by leveling the playing field.
- Over/Under Bets (Totals): Bet on whether the total score of the game will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook. This is ideal if you’re unsure who will win but have an idea about the game’s pace.
- Parlays: Combine multiple bets into one. All your picks must win for the parlay to pay out, offering higher payouts but with increased risk.
- Prop Bets: Wager on specific events within the game, like which player will score first, rather than the game’s outcome. This is a great way to use your knowledge of the game’s details to your advantage.
- Futures: Make long-term predictions, such as which team will win the championship. These bets are placed in advance, with odds that fluctuate as the season progresses, offering a way to stay engaged and potentially win big.
Understanding these bet types can help you make more informed betting decisions and develop strategies that suit your preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of moneyline bets or the complexity of parlays, there’s a type of bet in Nebraska’s sports betting landscape for everyone.
Types of Nebraska Mobile Betting Bonuses
These sites are highly competitive as it is their goal to keep you coming back for more bets and more money spent with them rather than a competitor.
Promotional offerings are a great way for sites to bring players in the door and keep them coming back. Bonuses can be used for all types of online wagering, from placing bets on college sports to playing table games.
We break down the two main types of promotions below:
Welcome Bonuses
Often the promotion that will draw you into joining a site is the welcome or sign-up bonus. The most common form of this is a first deposit match, usually equal to 100% or higher depending on the site. For example, if you join a site and make a $200 deposit, you will also receive $200 in bonus funds for a 100% match. Crypto bonuses usually provide the highest totals of bonus funds.
There is always a limit to these deposit matches, though it can be well over $1,000 on some sites. Just keep in mind that the bonus funds will expire within 14 days to a month and they carry a rollover requirement that must be met before you can withdraw any of the cash.
If a site has a 10x rollover requirement, that means you must bet 10 times the amount of money you got from the promotion before any of it is eligible for a withdrawal.
For mobile betting apps, the rollover requirement is always a lower number than the casino side, which is good news. However, there usually is a restriction on what kinds of bets you can make to qualify for the rollover. It usually has to be a sports bet with odds of -200 or higher.
This makes sense because you can just imagine this realistic scenario. If you deposit $1,000 and get $1,000 in bonus funds, then you could just keep betting that $2,000 on huge sports favorites with odds of -20000 or higher before you withdraw that free money. Rinse and repeat at other sites and barring any huge upsets, you can profit several thousands of dollars in no time.
But gambling and life are not that easy, so you will have to make legit bets to meet the rollover requirement. This is not an issue for those serious about gambling consistently.
Existing Customer Promotions
Users who keep betting on the same site always want to see more ongoing promotions. While you cannot expect large bonus funds to be handed out after the welcome bonus, there are plenty of options for good promotions and perks that an online sportsbook will offer to existing, loyal customers.
Some of those promotions include but are not limited to:
- Enhanced or Boosted Odds: Sites enjoy boosting the odds for a certain game market most days. Instead of getting a traditional line like -110, you might see something offered at +150 odds as part of the boost. There is usually a limit to how much you can bet on these boosts and they cannot be included in parlays, but if you ever see something you like and it comes with a boost, then that will only further motivate you to place the bet.
- Reload Bonuses: Unless you are winning all the time, you likely will have to deposit money from time to time to your account. But sometimes, there will be a reload bonus, which is basically just a deposit match. You can expect to get anywhere from 30-to-100% of your deposit matched as bonus funds, which will often be handed out in the form of free bets for sportsbooks.
- Risk-Free Bets: This is an ideal promotion for a sports bettor. Wager a certain amount on a game and if your bet loses, the site will pay you back in free bets up to a certain amount. There is always a limit on how much you can get back in free bets and those free bet funds will usually expire within a week of receiving them.
- Free Bets: There are a variety of ways to get free bets, including as part of a welcome bonus, the reward for a risk-free bet, a reload bonus, trying a new betting market for the first time like a live bet or horse race or using points in a rewards program to purchase free sports bets.
The ongoing promotions for existing customers is a great way for bettors to get additional value from their preferred sportsbook.
Mobile Site vs. App for Betting in Nebraska
Since many or most people access online betting apps using a mobile device like their phone, it is worth going over the availability of native apps that are downloadable through your phone’s app store no matter if you are an Android or iOS user.
While U.S.-based companies like TVG and FanDuel have downloadable apps for mobile wagering, the offshore sites in this guide are by and large not available as native apps. You will instead have to settle for using their mobile sites, which are still optimized to run smoothly and neatly on your phone, making mobile wagering simple and easy.
These offshore sites may offer mobile apps as gambling options in the future, but there still are some pros and cons to using an online sports betting app on your phone over logging onto the mobile site, as we see below:
Pros:
- Apps are the quickest way to access your bets
- Faster login with phone’s biometric options or two-factor authorization for online app
- Fewer security risks on an app you downloaded
- Easily take screenshots and share high-definition pics of your bets
- The online sports betting app usually looks better than the website
Cons:
- Online apps will take up storage space on your phone
- Updates need to be periodically downloaded and installed, leading to more space used on phone
- Geolocation failures may make it difficult for you to log in to online apps
- Use more data when roaming compared to accessing mobile site on your desktop
Nebraska Betting Guides
For bettors in Nebraska who are looking for more online gambling opportunities, we suggest giving our other comprehensive gambling guides a read:
