The Wording

A vote “FOR” will amend the Nebraska Constitution to authorize the enactment of laws to allow persons located within Nebraska to place sports wagers through an Internet-based platform when offered by an authorized gaming operator conducting games of chance within a licensed racetrack enclosure in Nebraska.

A vote “AGAINST” means the Nebraska Constitution will not be amended in this manner.Shall the Nebraska Constitution be amended to authorize the enactment of laws allowing persons located within Nebraska to place sports wagers through an Internet-based platform when offered by an authorized gaming operator conducting games of chance within a licensed racetrack enclosure in Nebraska?

(   )   For

(   )   Against

Our Explanation

It used to be that the only place for legalized gambling was in the state of Nevada.  Now, though, many states have authorized varying levels of gambling. 

Nebraska has a state lottery, local KENO, limited horse racing, Tribal Gaming Casinos, etc.  In-person sports gambling is ok, but this initiative would create another level of gambling allowing for Internet sports wagering.

The stated objective of this initiative is:  "The object of this petition is to amend the Nebraska Constitution to state that laws may be enacted allowing sports wagers to be placed within the State of Nebraska through an Internet-based platform offered by an authorized gaming operator."  

Those who support the initiative see the potential for decreasing property tax, since gaming provides revenue to the state.   They also see this as a way to have gambling income currently going to other states stay in Nebraska.  They also suggest increasing income because Internet sports betting is a fast growing opportunity.

Those who oppose the initiative point out the promised property tax relief is very minimal.  For $166 million to be available as revenue to the state, a great deal of money has to be lost by those who are gambling.  Dangers exist for athletes being bet on, offering too much potential for fraud.  Besides how gambling steals from the livelihood of those with a gambling problem, it also steals from other entertainment.  

Those who oppose also note the stated purpose says nothing about property tax relief.  The out-of-state financial support for gathering signatures and current advertising coming from gambling entities suggests those businesses will benefit more than the taxpayers.

Voting FOR the initiative will amend the Nebraska Constitution to authorize Internet-based sports wagering.

Voting AGAINST means the amendment will not happen.

See also Secretary of State Pamphlet