Nebraska Betting Vote Sees $22M Industry Spend; Indiana Casino Plan Rejected
DraftKings and FanDuel gave roughly $10.4m each to Nebraska's push for mobile sports betting.
Key Takeaways
- The Tax Relief Nebraska campaign raised approximately $22 million to support Initiatives 440 and 441 on November 3, 2026.
- DraftKings and FanDuel each contributed about $10.4 million to the Nebraska campaign; Fanatics and BetMGM also donated.
- Steuben County voters rejected the Indiana casino proposal with 58.66% voting against, blocking that site from pursuing the licence.
- House Enrolled Act 1038 requires a minimum $500 million investment, a $100 million licence fee and a $50 million community payment for successful Indiana applicants.
Voters across Nebraska, Indiana and Virginia decided gambling measures on November 3, 2026. Nebraska's Tax Relief Nebraska campaign raised roughly $22 million to back Initiatives 440 and 441, which would legalise mobile sports betting and impose a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue; Indiana's proposed $500 million casino in Steuben County was rejected with 58.66% voting against.
Nebraska: two ballot measures and heavy industry spending
The Tax Relief Nebraska campaign collected about $22 million to support Initiatives 440 and 441, with DraftKings and FanDuel contributing approximately $10.4 million each. Fanatics donated $600,000 and BetMGM gave $500,000. One of the initiatives would amend the state constitution while the other would create rules under the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission to permit licensed racetrack casinos to offer online sports betting through approved platforms.
Nebraska currently allows in-person wagering at five racetrack casinos; those venues produced about $9.3 million in sports betting revenue last year and paid less than $2 million in state taxes. Under the proposed measures the state would levy a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue and direct 70% of proceeds toward property tax relief. Bettors and wagering servers would have to remain physically within Nebraska, and existing restrictions on betting on Nebraska teams playing in-state would remain.
Opposition groups Save Nebraska Sports and the Nebraska Family Alliance campaigned against the measures, raising concerns about gambling addiction and athlete welfare. Former Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne said, > "Nebraskans support, embrace, and protect our athletes. Legalizing online sports gambling does none of those things." Limited public polling made the outcome unclear before voting; a small Kalshi prediction market had favoured approval.
Indiana: Steuben County says no; process continues in two more counties
Steuben County voters rejected a proposal to permit a casino under House Enrolled Act 1038, blocking developers from pursuing the new license there after 58.66% voted against the measure. The law, approved by Indiana lawmakers earlier in 2026, allows Allen and DeKalb counties to compete for a single inland casino license that requires at least $500 million in investment, including non-gaming facilities.
Successful applicants would pay a $100 million licensing fee plus an additional $50 million payment to support communities affected by casino closures. Developers must complete 60% of the investment within two years of license authorisation and finish the remaining development within five years after opening. Applications from eligible counties are due by 1 December 2026, and the Indiana Gaming Commission is scheduled to decide by 15 April 2027. A prior regulatory study estimated an Allen County casino could generate $204 million in annual revenue and $61 million in state gaming taxes.
Virginia: local votes on historical horse racing
Amherst County and the town of Pulaski voted on allowing pari-mutuel wagering facilities tied to historical horse racing terminals. Approval would permit Churchill Downs Incorporated, operator of Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, to pursue historical horse racing venues in those locations. Historical horse racing machines let customers wager on previously completed races via electronic terminals rather than on live races. Amherst County rejected a similar proposal in 2021. Both November 2026 measures required a simple majority and would still need regulatory authorisation if approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did DraftKings and FanDuel contribute to Nebraska's ballot campaign?
DraftKings and FanDuel each contributed approximately $10.4 million to the Tax Relief Nebraska campaign. The campaign raised about $22 million in total to support Initiatives 440 and 441.
What tax rate and revenue allocation do Nebraska Initiatives 440 and 441 propose?
The proposals would impose a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue and direct 70% of the proceeds toward property tax relief. One measure would amend the constitution and the other would establish rules under the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission.
What were the requirements set by Indiana's House Enrolled Act 1038 for a new casino?
House Enrolled Act 1038 requires at least $500 million in investment, a $100 million licensing fee and an additional $50 million payment to support communities affected by casino closures. Developers must complete 60% of the investment within two years of licence authorisation and finish the remainder within five years after opening.
When must Indiana counties submit applications and when will the regulator decide?
Applications from eligible Indiana counties are due by 1 December 2026, and the Indiana Gaming Commission is scheduled to decide by 15 April 2027.
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Tessa Coleman
Betting Markets Correspondent
Tessa Coleman covers betting products and markets — sportsbook launches, odds and trading technology, and the fast-growing prediction-market space from regulated exchanges to event contracts. The stories lead with the product or the ruling, name the operators and platforms precisely, and translate trading jargon into what bettors can actually do. When a book reworks its pricing or a prediction market wins a license fight, Tessa Coleman explains the mechanics and the stakes.
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