The solely factor that stands between Nebraska and legalized sports activities betting is the signature of Gov. Pete Ricketts.
Late final week, the legislature overwhelmingly handed LB 561 by a 44-3 margin. Unlike most state legislatures, the Cornhusker State has a unicameral legislature, which means the proposal is not going to need to go by way of a second chamber.
Instead, the invoice heads straight to governor’s desk the place it is going to change into legislation with both a signature or by way of inaction.
Ricketts has been an outspoken critic of playing enlargement within the state, however with the recognition of the topic amongst each the residents and lawmakers, it’s possible that he’ll take the inaction route. If the invoice isn’t signed or vetoed inside every week, it is going to change into legislation. Several anti-gambling governors have taken this route when public sentiment opposes their private views.
The laws would legalize sports activities betting at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks. Online betting was initially within the invoice, however in line with a number of media shops, it was faraway from the proposal throughout a debate on the ground.
Bettors could be allowed to wager on each skilled and collegiate sports activities with an exception for in-state faculty athletic occasions. Those video games is not going to be permitted to put bets on because the legislature added an modification to the state structure earlier this month which banned betting on in-state newbie sports activities.
Last November, Nebraska residents voted to permit for on line casino playing of their state. The poll initiative merely allowed for “games of chance” and didn’t specify that sports activities betting could be legalized. This laws would take away any ambiguity and permit for betting at these casinos once they launch later this yr.
The laws handed with an emergency clause hooked up to it, which means that as quickly because it turns into legislation, regulators can start creating guidelines and a framework for the market instantly. The clause makes it extremely possible that sports activities betting may occur when casinos launch.
