Nebraska Senator Proposes Bill to Allow Betting on Cornhuskers Games

Key Changes Proposed in LB 63

The bill proposes revisions to the definitions and scope of sports betting in Nebraska, with the following highlights:

• Authorized Sporting Events: Expands the definition to include professional, collegiate, and international sporting events, as well as esports, simulated games, professional drafts, and individual sports awards.
• Exceptions to the Rule: Maintains restrictions on certain betting activities, including high school events, minor league sports, and live bets involving Nebraska college teams.
• Sports Betting Definition: Formalizes the process of placing bets on authorized events using systems approved by the state’s gaming commission.
• Prohibited Bets: Includes restrictions on individual performance wagers for athletes in Nebraska college games and live betting on in-state collegiate events.

Addressing the Cornhusker Ban

Under current law, Nebraska prohibits betting on any games where in-state college teams participate, even at the collegiate level. LB 63 directly targets this limitation, allowing fans to place bets on Nebraska Cornhuskers games, a popular demand among sports enthusiasts in the state.

While the bill seeks to capitalize on the Cornhuskers’ widespread appeal, it also preserves key safeguards by continuing to ban certain types of bets, such as individual player performance wagers or live betting on Nebraska college games.

Balancing Innovation and Integrity

The bill maintains safeguards to ensure betting remains fair and focused on broader outcomes rather than granular details. Prohibited wagers include:

• Individual player performance bets in Nebraska college games.
• Bets involving athletes under 18 in professional or international events.
• Live bets on Nebraska college team games.

These measures aim to prevent issues like undue pressure on athletes while ensuring fans can enjoy a broader range of betting options.