Best Nebraska Betting Sites 2025 | NE Sportsbook Promos

How We Rate the Best Nebraska Sportsbook

To find the best Nebraska betting sites, our team at Livescore runs each platform through a detailed checklist. Here is what we look for in each site before including them in our recommendations:

Safety and Security 

If a site cuts corners on security, then your funds, account information, and even identity could be at risk. That's why our process includes verifying encrypted payments, two-factor authentication, and clear privacy policies. If a sportsbook feels like it was built in 2012 and hasn't been updated since, that's usually a red flag.

Bonuses and Promotions

We dig into every bonus we see, not just the flashy headline, but the actual terms. We test how fast the offer activates, how realistic the rollover is, and whether it’s actually useful for someone betting a few times a week, not just high-volume grinders. If we feel tricked, we do not list it. 

Odds Fairness

Pricing and fairness are the only two key metrics we consider when testing odds. We look at the odds for popular bets like football spreads and basketball totals, and match them up against what other sportsbooks offer. If something’s consistently off, that usually suggests the sportsbook is quietly taking extra margin from bettors. 

Betting Menu 

It’s frustrating to get excited about a site, only to find the same three bets on every game. That is why we ensure the NE online sportsbooks we recommend offer a mix of standard and creative options, such as live bets and same-game parlays, across a full schedule of sports. 

Range of Sports

Speaking of the sports schedule, we know that Nebraska bettors care deeply about college sports, especially Huskers football and local basketball. So, we make sure any site we recommend includes those options front and centre. At the same time, we look for sportsbooks that go beyond the obvious, offering niche picks like MMA, darts, or even international baseball. 

User Experience 

We try to avoid platforms that feel clunky and are difficult to navigate. To achieve this, we test the user experience across devices during real games, when the stakes are high and every second counts. Bettors shouldn’t have to fight with the interface just to place a wager.

Nebraska Sports Betting Laws and Regulations

When legal sports betting in Nebraska finally became a reality in 2021, it marked the end of a long-standing question: Is sports betting legal in Nebraska? LB 561, signed into law by Governor Pete Ricketts, legalized sports betting for land-based sportsbooks located inside licensed racetrack casinos, all under the watch of the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. As of now, four licensed sportsbooks are operating within legal casinos in Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, and Harrah's Columbus.

On the other hand, online and mobile sports betting is explicitly not legal in Nebraska, mainly due to a cautious stance of lawmakers who see the potential social harm outweighing the economic benefits. Here is how legal sports betting became a reality in the Cornhusker State:

March 2018 – The U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA, giving individual states the authority to legalize sports betting.

November 3, 2020 – Nebraska voters pass ballot initiatives allowing games of chance at licensed racetracks. 

May 25, 2021 – Governor Pete Ricketts signs LB 561, officially legalizing retail sports betting and casino gaming at licensed racetrack enclosures.

June 2022 – The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission finalizes sports betting rules and licensing frameworks.

June 22, 2023 – WarHorse Casino in Lincoln opens the state’s first retail sportsbook in partnership with Kambi.

October 2023 – Grand Island Casino launches in-person sports betting. 

January 2024 – Omaha and Scottsbluff launch retail sportsbooks, expanding options across the state.

The legal betting age in Nebraska is 21, and all betting must occur at approved racinos. While bets can be placed on all professional sports teams, wagering on in-state college teams is prohibited when they are playing within Nebraska, and prop bets on college athletes are also banned. However, horse race wagering remains legal and widely accessible throughout the state.

Latest Nebraska Sports Betting News

July 15, 2025 — Nebraska’s sports betting handle for June rose to $38.2 million, up 5 from June. However, tax revenue went up by just 2, suggesting slightly thinner margins for the state.

May 10, 2025 — WarHorse Lincoln Casino launched its in-house sportsbook app, marking Nebraska’s first mobile betting platform, which allows users to view live odds and build their bets in advance, which can then be saved and later placed at the sportsbook window

March 5, 2025 — The Nebraska Gambling Control Unit approved three new licensed sportsbooks for retail locations in Omaha and Grand Island.

Nebraska Sports Betting Tax Information

Nebraska requires you to report your gambling winnings as taxable income. The state withholds a flat 5 on winnings, a process that is separate from federal withholding of 24 which applies to large payouts.

Operators, on the other hand, pay a 20% annual tax on their gross gambling revenue to the Nebraska Gaming Commission. This revenue helps fund property tax relief, the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, and local jurisdictions.

Nebraska Sportsbook Bonuses and Promotions

You won’t find traditional online sportsbooks here, but the bonuses and promotions at Nebraska sports betting sites still offer real value if you know where to look. From kiosk bets to DFS reloads, here are the most common offers you’ll find:

Retail Free Bet Offers 

These are common at places like WarHorse Lincoln, where betting $20 at a kiosk can earn you a bonus ticket of equal value. Not only that, but Nebraska betting sites that offer DFS, such as Underdog and Betr Picks, also feature promotions like “Play $5, Get $50” that reward small deposits with extra contest entries. 

For us, the most valuable free bet offers are easy to claim and let you choose how you want to use them.

Losing Ticket Promotions

If your first bet loses, some retail sportsbooks will give you a refund in the form of a bonus voucher. Keep in mind that the bonus often can’t be withdrawn and may require another qualifying wager. 

DFS Reload Bonuses

Popular Daily fantasy sportsbooks in Nebraska, like FanDuel and DraftKings, frequently run deposit promos tied to NFL weekends or other high-traffic sporting events. These can offer solid value, although it depends on how much you play. In our view, the good ones don’t require massive deposits, and they return at least 25% in bonus cash without complex rollover requirements.

Retail Odds Boosts

At retail NE sportsbooks, you’ll sometimes see improved odds on local games or marquee matchups. For example, Nebraska football games or Kansas City Chiefs props might offer slightly better payouts. Boosts that apply to single bets without forcing parlays are the ones worth taking advantage of.

Casino Players Clubs

Retail casinos in Nebraska, especially those with sportsbooks, typically offer rewards programs that let you earn points on bets. These points can be redeemed for perks like free bets, food, or merchandise. Always look out for programs that allow you to redeem easily, even with small balances.

Biggest Sports For Betting in Nebraska

Sports betting in Nebraska doesn’t follow national trends, but rather the teams NE residents care about. College football, horse racing, and regional pro teams dominate betting slips from fall through spring. Here are some of the most bet on sports in Nebraska

NFL (Football)

Professional football has carved out a strong following in Nebraska, despite the lack of an NFL team within state lines. Here, the Kansas City Chiefs lead the way in both fan loyalty and activity among Nebraska sportsbooks. Patrick Mahomes’ style of play has turned player props into one of the most active markets during Chiefs games.

For many sports bettors in Nebraska, betting on the Chiefs' playoff game can feel just as important and thrilling as betting on a Huskers game. 

NBA (Basketball)

When it comes to the NBA team conversation, Nebraskans don't bet on jerseys; they bet on players. The Denver Nuggets have a decent regional following, but the bulk of the action comes from bets on individual performances. Betting on basketball is more about multi-leg prop parlays around —LeBron's points, Jokic's assists, Steph's three pointers—than betting on a team to win. This modern, player-first approach to following the league is actually quite different from that of neighbouring states. 

MLB (Baseball)

Summers in Nebraska usually mean baseball, with a lot of folks keeping an eye on the Kansas City Royals. But the event that completely takes over is the College World Series in Omaha. For those two weeks, it feels like nothing else in the sports world matters. The betting handle on those college baseball games reportedly dwarfs the action on any major baseball teams, which is something you probably won't see anywhere else.

NHL (Hockey)

Hockey betting in Nebraska often flies under the radar, despite the loyal followings for teams like the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche. Instead of just picking a winner, local bettors often focus on totals and first-period bets. This is especially true during the NHL season, when you see a big jump in action and a lot of focus on goalie save props.

College Sports

In Nebraska, betting on college sports is practically part of the culture. The Nebraska Cornhuskers are the center of that universe, and the betting markets reflect it, especially on Big Ten point spreads.

But football isn't the only game in town. The state's other big obsession is the Creighton Bluejays. During March Madness, they're a top choice for tournament bets, and their fast-paced style of play often makes NE bettors go for the "over" on the game total — though in-state college prop bets are still off-limits at most NE sportsbooks.

Horse Racing

With a total betting handle surpassing $55 million, horse racing remains a core part of Nebraska’s betting scene. The action here isn't limited to the state's three licensed tracks, as simulcasting is huge, allowing people to bet on major races from across the country, including the Kentucky Derby. Both casual weekend bettors and serious handicappers place win-place-show bets or try exotic wagers like trifectas, after following regional horses throughout the season.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Nebraska

For fans of online sports betting, DFS offers a viable alternative that's convenient and accessible to those who live in Nebraska. While it would be a stretch to say that, Daily Fantasy Sports is legal within the state, it’s not explicitly banned either. Because DFS is considered a game of skill under Nebraska law, most major platforms are allowed to operate in a legal grey area.

Even without official state oversight, major online sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel and Underdog Fantasy offer DFS contests to players. These platforms offer a wide variety of contests from classic head-to-head lineups to massive GPPs (guaranteed prize pools). A lot of DFS bettors gravitate toward single-entry tournaments and pick-em style formats. If you want to get in on the action, here are the top Nebraska betting sites with DFS:

How to Start Real-Money Betting in Nebraska

Online sports betting is not legal in Nebraska, so all real-money wagers must be placed in person. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.

1. Start by locating a state-approved retail sportsbook inside a licensed Nebraska casino or racetrack. Since online betting isn’t allowed, you’ll need to be physically present to get started.

2. Next, head to the betting counter or self-service kiosk and register for an account. You’ll need a valid photo ID to prove you’re at least 21, which is the legal betting age in Nebraska.

3. Now, it's time to add funds to your account. Most retail sportsbooks accept cash at the window, and some may offer prepaid cards or ATM access nearby.

4. Then, browse the available games and odds on the betting screen, and place your bet with a cashier at the window or on a self-service betting kiosk.

5. If your bet is a winner, return to the sportsbook's counter to claim your winnings in cash. Make sure you have your physical or digital ticket ready to redeem your payout.

Online Sports Betting Apps in Nebraska

Mobile sports betting is not legal in Nebraska, so you won’t be able to place bets via mobile on traditional games or events. However, mobile sports bettors can still access fantasy contests through trusted sports betting apps such as DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, and several others. 

These Nebraska betting apps are available on both the App Store and Google Play. While you can’t place real-money wagers, you can enter Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests and compete for cash prizes legally.

Nebraska’s Sports Betting has a Grounded Present and Growing Future

Nebraska offers a unique betting experience rooted in trusted retail sportsbooks and a passionate local fan base. From placing bets at racinos to cheering on Huskers football, the state’s retail venues deliver a secure and social way to get involved.

Unlike neighboring states, Nebraska still doesn’t allow online sports betting, even in 2025. But with popular DFS apps like DraftKings and FanDuel widely available, there’s still a silver lining for online bettors. With lawmakers consistently pushing for the legalization of online sports betting, there is hope that the state will soon expand its market. Until then, check out our top-rated Nebraska betting sites that offer DFS and sweepstakes betting and get started.