Campaign in Nebraska raised $21,675,000 before Nov. 3 vote

The campaign to legalize mobile sports betting in Nebraska has raised $21,675,000 in the election year ahead of the November 3, 2026 vote. Recent contributions from DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics totalled more than $7,000,000 in donations made after September 29.

What voters will decide on November 3

Voters will decide on two separate ballot measures: Initiative 440 and Initiative 441. Initiative 440 would amend the constitution to allow laws authorising internet sports betting, and Initiative 441 would establish the operational regulatory framework; both must pass to legalise mobile wagering statewide. The statutory framework and rule-making timeline are matters for the [regulators](/regulation) if the measures succeed.

Proposed structure and market caps

The text proposes that each of the six current or projected regulated gaming facilities may partner with up to two mobile platforms, creating room for 12 operators online. The existing 20% tax on gross gaming revenue would also apply to online operations. The rules would preserve the ban on wagering on Nebraska college teams when they play in-state, so a home game for the Cornhuskers would remain off-limits.

Timeline and possibility of a 2027 launch

Under the initiative the statutory framework would take effect on January 1, 2027, and regulators would be required to adopt rules for online betting by June 1, 2027. Those deadlines open the possibility of a 2027 launch, but the measures do not guarantee an opening date.

Who gave money and how it was spent

The pro campaign committee, called Tax Relief Nebraska, spent $6.61 million in the period from September 30 to October 19, bringing its total election-year spending to $15.8 million. More than $5 million went to media placement and promotions, and the committee reported $1.74 million in cash on hand as of October 19; four subsequent contributions added $4.1 million. The media and promotion line items are common in ballot campaigns and were a major share of reported outlays, according to filings in the lead-up to the vote; see related coverage in [news](/news).

Specific contributions after September 29 were:

• FanDuel: $2,500,000 on October 22 and $750,000 on October 23

• DraftKings: $750,000 on October 22 and $2,500,000 on October 13

• Fanatics: $100,000 on October 26 and $425,000 on October 2

Those six transfers total just over $7 million received after September 29. Across the election year FanDuel and DraftKings have each given roughly $10.3 million. Fanatics has contributed $600,000, and BetMGM had previously given $500,000.

Potential licensees and likely entrants

National companies that donated — FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics and BetMGM — appear as probable applicants for licenses. Caesars could compete via Harrah’s Columbus, where it already operates a retail sportsbook, despite not having made donations in this campaign. Other firms mentioned as possible entrants include bet365 and theScore Bet, though none of these mentions constitutes a confirmed launch or application.