Thirteen Nebraska senators have issued a statement opposing the proposed expansion of online sports betting in the state. Following the committee’s approval of Legislative Resolution 3CA, which calls for a public vote on the matter, the senators expressed their dissent during a special legislative session.
They warned that allowing sports betting across the state could make addiction problems worse. They also criticized the recent decision to legalize casinos in Nebraska, pointing out that the expected property tax relief hasn’t happened yet.
A quote from the statement reads: “Nebraska very recently legalized casinos largely on the promise of property tax relief that has failed to manifest itself. Expanding gambling further will inevitably lead to expanding the associated addictions and add to more suffering in our communities. Online sports betting turns every cell phone into a 24/7 handheld gambling device, leading to new addictions.”
Senators Call Online Sports Betting “A Poison Pill”
The senators spoke out against legalizing online sports betting. They pointed out that Nebraska only recently legalized casinos, which were supposed to help lower property taxes, but that hasn’t happened yet.
“Any attempt to expand gambling or legalize online sports betting, whether through a Constitutional Amendment or a statutory workaround, is a poison pill that will lose our support for the bill,” the senators stated.
The following Nebraska Senators signed the statement opposing online sports betting:
- Sen. John Lowe (R-37)
- Sen. Ray Aguilar (R-35)
- Sen. Joni Albrecht (R-17)
- Sen. Robert Clements (R-2)
- Sen. Robert Dover (R-19)
- Sen. Steve Erdman (R-47)
- Sen. Steve Halloran (R-33)
- Sen. Brian Hardin (R-48)
- Sen. Rick Holdcroft (R-36)
- Sen. Loren Lippincott (R-34)
- Sen. Dave Murman (R-38)
- Sen. Rita Sanders (R-45)
- Sen. Julie Slama (R-1)
Nebraska is one of 24 states that has yet to legalize online sports betting and currently allows for in-person sports betting at state casinos.
Their statement references data from the National Council on Problem Gambling, which says online sports betting has raised the risk of gambling addiction by 30 percent. The council’s helpline has also seen a 150 percent increase in calls. The data further shows that 20 percent of college students are using their financial aid money to gamble.
Senator Bostar Pushing For Online Sports Betting
Sen. Eliot Bostar successfully advanced an online sports betting bill through the state’s General Affairs Committee during the special session, which passed with a 5-2 vote. But it has yet to be debated on the Senate floor.
Bostar proposed changes to the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act to let casinos offer online sports betting. The plan would send 90% of the tax revenue from online sports betting to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund, aiming to reduce property taxes for Nebraskans. Right now, in-person sports betting is taxed at 20% of its earnings, with 70% going to the property tax fund.
LR3CA will place an online sports betting referendum on an upcoming general election ballot. If voters approve the measure, the legislature could pass online sports betting in the next session.
Bostar recently changed the resolution so that the Senate can choose to approve online sports betting laws if voters support it, instead of making it a requirement as originally proposed.
He says online wagering could generate more than $30 million in tax revenue over the next two and a half years.
The debate continues.
Calculators
