Initiative Measure 440Constitutional amendment · Citizen initiative
Allow online sports wagering laws
Explain it like I'm 5
This changes Nebraska's Constitution so lawmakers may allow sports bets on phones and computers. It is a permission slip, not the complete rulebook for online betting.
Yes vote
The Nebraska Constitution would allow laws authorizing online sports wagering through authorized operators.
No vote
The Constitution would not authorize laws permitting online sports wagering.
The question to ask yourself
Is the possible revenue and regulation worth making sports betting available online?
The case for
- It could bring betting now going to offshore or out-of-state sites under Nebraska rules.
- Supporters say it could create money for property-tax relief.
- It gives lawmakers room to set consumer protections instead of leaving online betting unauthorized.
Backed by: Tax Relief Nebraska, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, Lincoln Independent Business Association
The case against
- Phone access may increase addiction, debt, and family harm.
- Constitutional permission is difficult to reverse if problems grow.
- The amendment itself does not guarantee strong regulation or meaningful tax benefits.
Opposed by: Nebraska Family Alliance, Save Nebraska Sports
- Money
- The amendment itself sets no tax rate or official revenue estimate; supporters cite a campaign projection of more than $166 million for property-tax relief over 10 years if the related measure also passes.
- Don't be misled
- A yes vote on 440 alone would not create a complete betting system, because the related Initiative 441 supplies the operating rules.