Nebraska Senator Tom Brandt has introduced Legislative Bill 63, a proposal that seeks to legalize pre-match and live wagering on in-state college sports. The legislation, co-sponsored by Senators Danielle Conrad and Stan Clouse, aims to amend the Nebraska Racetrack Gaming Act, potentially expanding the state’s regulated sports betting market.  

Currently, Nebraska only permits retail sports betting at licensed casinos, having launched its sports betting market in 2023 after an extensive regulatory approval process signed into law by former Governor Pete Ricketts. Legislative Bill 63 proposes a notable shift by incorporating college sports betting into the existing framework.  

The bill showcases Nebraska’s strong tradition in college athletics, with institutions like the University of Nebraska, Creighton University, and the University of Nebraska-Omaha drawing significant fan engagement. These schools host marquee events, making the state a focal point for collegiate sports enthusiasts.  

Efforts to expand sports betting in Nebraska have encountered hurdles in the past. In August 2023, a special legislative session explored the possibility of introducing online sports betting through licensed casinos. Senator Elliot Bostar spearheaded the effort with LR3CA, an amendment to the state’s Gaming Act.

However, the proposal faced stiff opposition, with 13 senators expressing concerns about the expansion of online wagering. As a result, the amendment failed to reach the Senate floor during the 17-day session.  

While Nebraska explores this expansion, concerns about betting on college sports persist nationwide. Critics often cite risks to player safety and the integrity of competitions. States like New Jersey, Virginia, and Illinois have implemented restrictions to address these issues. For instance, New Jersey bans wagers on in-state college teams, and Illinois prohibits player prop bets for local collegiate teams.  

A 2024 NCAA study revealed alarming trends in online abuse directed at college athletes, with 12% of incidents tied to angry sports bettors. The abuse often involved racism, threats, and homophobia. During last year’s March Madness, athletes like Armando Bacot of North Carolina and Payton Thorne of Auburn received threats and financial demands from disgruntled bettors.  

The NCAA’s partnership with Signify Group further underscored the scale of this issue, revealing that 80% of online abuse occurred during March Madness, with female athletes disproportionately targeted. The report showed that 18% of such abuse was sexual, and 10% contained racist content.  

In response, states such as Maryland and Massachusetts have implemented bans or restrictions on college player prop bets, with the NCAA advocating for broader adoption of these measures to protect athletes’ mental health and well-being.  

Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/01/15/91920-nebraska-considers-legalizing-bets-on-instate-college-sports

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