A bunch of former faculty athletes are opposing efforts to legalize on-line and cellular betting in Nebraska. They cite issues about how the wagering choice may have an effect on households and athletes.
Members of Save Nebraska Sports and the Nebraska Family Alliance spoke at the state Capitol final Thursday. They voiced their issues concerning the potential unfavorable results of legalized on-line betting.
“They are seeking to make a profit at the expense of Nebraska families, businesses, fans, and student athletes,” Nebraska Family Alliance Executive Director Nate Grasz mentioned.
Concerns About Athlete Harassment
This marks one of many first instances a gaggle of former faculty athletes and coaches opposed sports activities betting legalization. Grasz was joined by State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg (R), State Auditor Mike Foley (D), and Nebraska soccer assistant coach Ron Brown.
Former Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Tom Osborne additionally launched an announcement expressing his hopes that the poll measures can be rejected.
“As a coach, I saw firsthand the immense pressure student athletes face,” Osborne famous. “Some of the harshest criticism athletes receive is not for losing, but for failing to beat a point spread or reach a certain number of yards, completions or touchdowns. Online sports gambling turns an athletic contest into a gambling exercise with someone else’s money riding on the performance of young men and women.”
The two poll initiatives have been licensed in August. One poll petition consists of a constitutional modification legalizing on-line betting. The different is a statutory modification outlining a regulatory construction for the trade.
State Only Allows Brick-and-Mortar Sportsbooks
The Cornhusker State legalized sports activities betting in 2021, however solely in-person wagering. Supporters see the trade as a method to create a brand new income to offset excessive property taxes.
However, members of SNS argue that the tax reduction can be surpassed by monetary losses and negatively have an effect on Nebraska residents. Members cited latest issues and surveys about student-athletes going through on-line harassment from gamblers.
NCAA President Charlie Baker urged states to ban faculty prop bets to assist curb the difficulty. Some states have complied.
“It will follow us onto our phones through apps, advertisements, promotions, notifications, day and night, and this matters because our kids are going to grow up in this environment,” Spellerberg mentioned.
As Secretary of State Robert Evnen (R) was certifying the poll measures, different state leaders expressed opposition. Some of these included former Governor Kay Orr (R) and U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R).
Supporters argue that many Nebraskans are already utilizing offshore gaming websites to wager. Neighboring states Colorado and Missouri additionally now have on-line betting. In Missouri, wagering launched in December after voters authorised a poll measure in November 2024.
