Nebraska Sportsbooks + Sports Betting Sites
Sports betting is a favorite pastime of many American gamers, despite the fact that, in the overwhelming majority of U.S. states, such wagering is not explicitly legal. Certainly, it is not legal in Nebraska to run or operate a sportsbook of any kind. Much to the chagrin of the state’s many gambling enthusiasts and sports patrons, Nebraska sports betting opportunities are all but impossible to find, at least among street-level bookies and in local gambling establishments.
Make no mistake about it, though: If you are a Nebraska resident, and you are looking for sports betting in Nebraska, you can find it, legally and safely, so long as you know where to look! Offshore, Internet-based sportsbooks are common, and they offer myriad opportunities to Nebraska’s gaming enthusiasts.
This page is meant to provide some basic information to those interested in finding Nebraska sports wagering opportunities. The page will make some comments about the nature of gambling laws and regulations in the State of Nebraska. From there, we will seek to spotlight a few of the legal sports betting opportunities that exist for Nebraska residents. We will highlight several reputable, licensed offshore sportsbooks in particular—sportsbooks that are happy to take bets from Nebraska natives!
Nebraska Sports Betting Legalization Efforts In 2020
There is an ongoing effort to legalize sports betting in Nebraska. The current bill under consideration is LB 990, which would legalize sports betting, fantasy sports, and poker as games of skill, and then regulate them at the state level. Proceeds would go to reducing school district property tax levies. Basically, this is a straightforward version of sports betting legalization and is currently scheduled for a hearing on February 10th, 2020 in the General Affairs Committee. If the Committee approves it, it will go to the full legislature.
Is it Legal to Bet on Sports in Nebraska?
The first issue we need to address is that of the laws in Nebraska that pertain to sports betting, in particular, to best answer this question. You do not need to be told, most likely, that Nebraska is not exactly an epicenter for gambling—it is no Las Vegas or Atlantic City, for example. Indeed, betting on sporting events is not regulated here, just as it is in most every US state. This does not mean that Nebraska gamers cannot find some safe ways to place bets, however; it’s simply a question of knowing where to look for sports wagering opportunities. For any clarification on NE sports betting laws and gambling laws, you can read the Nebraska Statutes (28-1101) here.
So what’s the secret? The secret, such as it is, is knowing to bet through a legal, offshore, Internet-based sportsbook, as opposed to a street-level Nebraska bookie. Going through a street-level bookie could bring with it legal complications. Going through an offshore, online sportsbook, however, will prove a safe and exciting option for any Nebraska gambler. And rest assured that there are several reputable online sportsbooks out there, eager and willing to accept bets from Nebraska residents.
Useful Article: Is Online Sports Betting Legal In The U.S.
Will Nebraska Residents Get into Trouble for Placing Bets Online?
Now let’s get down to the heart of the matter—the question many Nebraska residents surely wish to ask: Are there legal consequences for betting on sporting events while in the State of Nebraska? The answer, happily, is no, there are not—assuming you place your bet through an offshore, Internet-based bookie.
Note that Nebraska’s laws—to say nothing of federal laws—take a strict, restrictive approach toward those who run online gambling sites. They also frown on banks and telecommunication companies that assist with online wagering. With all of that said, the liability does not fall to actual players. Even so, to avoid trouble, Nebraska gamers are encouraged to avoid street-level bookies and simply use licensed offshore bookmakers. Such bookmakers are legitimate and perfectly safe!
Nebraska Betting Mistakes
Betting On Impulse
Betting on impulse is one of the worst Nebraska betting mistakes you could make. Seeing a line that looks too good to be true, or trying to bet to make up for losses, are betting on impulse and it’s a dangerous thing. Avoid that at all costs and make educated bets.
Greedy Betting
Greedy betting is a dangerous game to play and it usually doesn’t pay off. On the contrary, it actually can cause you to lose big money. Don’t get too cocky while betting because you will most likely regret it after it's all said and done.
Where Can Nebraska Residents Bet Sports Online?
The next question, then, is that of exactly where Nebraska residents can bet on sporting events online. We have already said that betting through a reputable, offshore bookmaker is the best option for Nebraska players, yet finding a respected, reliable, and licensed offshore bookmaker can sometimes prove difficult. That’s why we have done the research for you; we’ve rounded up the top sportsbooks that are most popular among Nebraska natives and also 100% safe to use. We’ve written up some brief reviews of these terrific sportsbooks, posted herein.
Best Online Sportsbooks That Accept Nebraska Residents
Bovada Sportsbook – $250 Sportsbook Bonus For First Time NE Customers
The first online sportsbook on our list is Bovada Sportsbook—long a favorite of players across the country, and especially recommendable to players in Nebraska. Why is this such a highly recommended sportsbook? For one thing, it is safe and secure; Nebraska residents can place wagers here and not fear legal consequences. Bovada Sportsbook is licensed by a Canadian organization, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission—so for Nebraska gamers looking for a legal and legitimate bookmaker, this is an excellent option.
So Bovada Sportsbook is safe and secure, but that would mean very little if it were not also a wonderful gambling site. And it is an excellent place for Nebraska players to bet on sports, including professional and college sporting events, among them football, basketball, hockey, and beyond. Bovada Sportsbook provides players with opportunities to make in-play bets and to bet from their mobile phones, as well. All told, it is an online sportsbook well worth the time of Nebraska gambling buffs. New members who sign up today can even get $250 in free-plays to get their wagering off on the right track.
BetOnline Sportsbook – All Deposit Methods Accepted Here!
Bovada is a nearly-ideal option, but Nebraska players may wish to check into other online bookmakers, as well. BetOnline Sportsbook is one of the best alternatives. BetOnline has stood as a leading name in online gambling ever since 1991, and today it is a favorite among Nebraska gamers—offering great bonuses, quick payouts, and plenty of other features, including the industry’s most varied deposit and payout options (including Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies).
The best thing about BetOnline Sportsbook, though, is that it has a reputation for treating players well. Indeed, it allows for quick and easy sign-ups and convenient deposits; it takes very little time to get going betting on sporting events and races alike. It even offers some casino-style gaming options. All of this adds up to make BetOnline another superlative option for Nebraska gamers, and new members who join today can receive a valuable 50% match bonus worth up to $1000.
5Dimes Sportsbook – All Bettors In Nebraska Allowed At 5Dimes
Another top offshore sportsbook that we recommend to Nebraska gamers is 5Dimes Sportsbook. This one, too, comes with some serious credentials. It has an official license through Costa Rica, and it is run by the prestigious 5Dimes Group. It is a sportsbook known for treating its players well, which means providing safety and security above all.
For those Nebraska gamers looking to wager on their favorite teams, then, 5Dimes is a keeper. It allows for all kinds of bets—from teasers to spreads—on all kinds of sporting events. Nebraska gamers can even set their own lines at 5Dimes Sportsbook by “buying points,” which is a perk that no other book does nearly as well as 5Dimes. NE residents who join 5Dimes now can enroll in the site’s famous Reduced Juice program and get a starter bonus of up to $520 in free-plays.
Bookmaker.eu – Top Bonuses For Nebraska Gamblers
One of the most reputable sportsbooks in the United States is BookMaker. They accept Nebraska players and are incredibly beneficial to all who create an account with them. BookMaker offers sports betting lines on every major sport there is and some more obscure sports as well, like rugby, cricket, and even Internet videogame e-sports. They have a ton of alternate lines as well as daily prop lines, so you have plenty of options to choose from when placing your wagers.
The site is really easy to maneuver as it is as customer-friendly as it gets. Signing up is a breeze, and you will even be offered a generous welcome bonus of 15% of your first deposit on their sportsbook up to $300 just for doing so. Best of all, this is a bona fide cash bonus, not the same free-plays you get elsewhere. While all of these top-rated Nebraska sports betting sites offer quality sportsbooks, Bookmaker might be the best of the bunch.
BetDSI – Bigger Site, Bolder Action For NE Sports Bettors
BetDSI offers a ton of different gambling opportunities, but the most popular one is definitely their sportsbook. In fact, BetDSI’s homepage always has athletes front and center so you can see where their priorities are. Click over to their sportsbook and you will see the relevant betting lines for that day. The sportsbook itself is desktop and mobile optimized, and its recent redesign makes for a truly a quality site on both aesthetic and functional levels. BetDSI offers lines on all professional sports and college sports as well, so no matter what you are a fan of, you are covered.
BetDSI has been around for a long time now, and their longevity is a clear indicator of how reliable and trustworthy they are. Create an account right now so you don’t miss out on all of the betting opportunities they provide to players all over Nebraska. If you do so ASAP, you can take advantage of their 100% deposit match bonus (worth up to $500) for new customers.
Best Online Sportsbooks That Accept Nebraska Residents
| Nebraska Sports Betting Sites | New U.S. Player Bonus | Go To U.S. Betting Site | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Review | 50% Up To $250 | |
 | Review | 50% Up To $1,000 NEW! | |
 | Review | 50% New Member Bonus! | |
 | Review | 50% Up To $1,000 NEW! | |
 | Review | 100% Up To $300 | |
 | Review | 50% Up To $520 | |
 | Review | 100% Up To $500 NEW! |
Nebraska Sports Betting Laws
With those reputable sportsbooks noted, we might return to the topic of Nebraska sports betting laws. It is crucial to remember that both state and federal laws are applicable here; state laws frown on sports betting operators, and federal laws prohibit banks and telecommunication companies from aiding in sports wagers (via the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, or UIGEA, and the Interstate Wire Act, respectively). The way to avoid legal complications, then, is simply to circumvent Nebraska bookmakers and to enlist the services of reputable and reliable offshore sportsbooks—like the ones we have mentioned here.
With the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA, 1992) overturned by the Supreme Court in 2018, Nebraska’s state legislature can pursue enacting its own land-based and online sports wagering laws. That said, there has so far been no movement at the state level to do so, and it is unclear when (or even if) NE will formally legalize the popular, lucrative pastime. Hopefully, it will be sooner than later, as NE could definitely benefit from keeping the billions of dollars its residents spend on sports betting stateside instead of sending it overseas.
Useful Article: Sports Betting Laws in the U.S.A.
Are Online Sportsbooks Accepting Nebraska Residents Regulated?
Because Nebraska does not recognize any form of legal sports betting, it also does not work to regulate sports betting. This may give pause to some Nebraska players, who want to know that their bookmakers are reliable. The answer, once more, is to choose a bookmaker who is licensed, or at the very least who comes with a reputation for reliability. The handful we have mentioned here all fit that description, and as such, they are all great options for Nebraska gamers.
Current State Of Online Sports Betting In Nebraska
The bottom line is that sports betting in Nebraska is not a pipe dream, nor is it all totally illegal. While the state does frown on it, there are ways for Nebraska gamers to place bets safely and in full compliance with the law. The trick is simply to find a reputable and above-board bookmaker—one based outside of the US. Betting with a street-level Nebraska bookmaker is not advised, but using any of the offshore sportsbooks listed herein is a safe and secure option for any Nebraska gaming enthusiast!
Nebraska Sports Betting FAQ’s
If I have a question that is not answered in the FAQ, what should I do?
The best thing to do when you have a question that is not addressed in your sportsbook’s FAQ section is to contact the sportsbook you are using. These top sites all offer 24/7 customer service options that are extremely helpful. They usually have a phone number, email address, fax number, and even a live chat feature that you can use to contact an attentive and helpful rep.
Is it legal to bet online?
As long as you are using one of the sites we review on this page, you will enjoy a legal, secure, and safe gambling experience. The key for legal online sports betting in Nebraska is to only use reputable offshore sportsbooks that operate outside of state and US jurisdiction.
How old must I be to wager at a Nebraska Sportsbook?
The legal gambling age in Nebraska is 21 years old, but the online sportsbooks we discuss here only require players to be 18. That being said, you should stick with the state’s legal age just to be on the safe side. If you sign up for these books underage, however, you aren’t breaking any laws. Just know that if you’re younger than 18, these sportsbooks will shut down your account and confiscate your winnings and bankroll. Don’t risk it!
Can I be arrested for betting on sports over the Internet in Nebraska?
No Nebraska resident has ever been arrested, cited, fined, or otherwise inconvenienced by authorities for betting on sports over the Internet. While NE does include wagering on the outcomes of games as part of its gambling definition, there is no mention whatsoever of “online” gambling or “Internet” gambling of any sort. Further, state law penalizes only operators of betting services, not individual bettors. As such, as a bettor and not a bookmaker, you can legally wager online at offshore sports betting sites.
What are the best sports to bet on in Nebraska?
Cornhuskers football is, hands down, the biggest club for sports betting in all of Nebraska. Other NCAA teams and sports are well-represented, too, but nothing comes close to the action that the University of Nebraska gets. While there are no pro teams of note in the state, NFL betting is still extremely popular, with residents favoring the Kansas City Chiefs. Nebraska also turns a big handle betting on the Royals, Bulls, and Avalanche.
When will Nebraska legalize in-state sports betting?
Nebraska tribal nations have exclusive rights to offer gambling amusements in Nebraska, and any addition of sports betting to the state’s legally-approved industry pastimes will likely require new compacts. This means that in-state sports betting will almost certainly take several years to be offered in NE, as new laws and compacts will both have to be written. A conservative estimate thus pegs in-state sports wagering to be legalized sometime within the next 2-5 years.
What is the best way to fund my Nebraska sports betting account?
The best way to fund your NE sports wagering account depends on your personal needs. If you wish to deposit a few dollars immediately, credit or debit cards (or international Visa gift cards) are the way to go. However, if you wish to preserve your anonymity and take banking institutions completely out of the equation, Bitcoin (or another supported cryptocurrency like Litecoin or Ethereum) is recommended. Withdrawing payouts is also much easier and quicker via crypto.
Does Nebraska ban private sports betting?
No, Nebraska does not ban private sports wagering. However, like most states with “social betting” carve-outs, for this to be legal, nobody can be operating in the capacity of a “house.” Essentially, as long as nobody is offering odds and taking a cut, you can make bets with your friends in private. This is commonplace, but make sure it stays friendly. Social sports betting isn’t worth losing friends over, and if you think that’s a real risk, stick to online books. Actually, you should probably stick to online sportsbooks anyways. Real friends go halfsies on big-money bets, after all!
