New Lobby Group Seeks to Derail Nebraska Sports Betting
Jesse M. Cox Published 06/10/2026
Save Nebraska Sports is a newly organized group with the objective of preventing the Cornhusker State from legalizing sports betting. This new coalition will stand in opposition to Tax Relief Nebraska. That is the group behind the effort to legalize online sports betting in the state. A pair of statewide ballot initiatives are being put forward by Tax Relief Nebraska. These initiatives are seeking support from voters to legalize and regulate online sports betting in the state.
Save Nebraska Sports is arguing that the information being put forth by Tax Relief Nebraska is misleading voters into thinking legal online sports betting will benefit the state.
Some prominent Nebraskans are part of Save Nebraska Sports
The people who represent Save Nebraska Sports include some prominent members of Nebraska society. There are government officials, Nebraska Cornhuskers staff members, and conservative and Christian leaders.
Among those in the group are state Auditor Mike Foley, Treasurer Joey Spellerberg, Nebraska football assistant coach Ron Brown, and Nebraska Family Alliance executive director Nate Grasz. They are accusing Tax Relief Nebraska of deceiving voters about what the true motivation is behind their initiatives. They claim that the real power behind the movement is the two major players in the U.S. sports betting industry, FanDuel and DraftKings.
“The goal of Tax Relief Nebraska, FanDuel, and DraftKings is to entice young men, who are already following sports, and want to engage them in online sports betting," Foley told the Plains Sentinel. "This will put betting on steroids."
Tax Relief Nebraska is promising property tax reductions
Members of Save Nebraska Sports also question projections of using $50 to $60 million in gambling revenue from online sports betting to lower property taxes. They say these are false promises.
“The pitch to voters to vote ‘yes’ on this thing is the promise of property tax relief,” Foley said. "As the state auditor, I feel an obligation to inform the cities — you are being scammed.”
As state treasurer, Spellerberg expressed concern that the enticement of online sports betting might lead people to risk their savings in pursuit of the lure of a big win.
“We also know there can be serious financial consequences," Spellerberg said. "Research has linked online sports betting with increased financial distress, higher credit card debt, and reduced savings and investments."
Legendary Cornhuskers coach is a staunch anti-sports betting advocate
He wasn't in attendance at the announcement of the new group. However, iconic former Nebraska Cornhuskers football coach Tom Osborn was still offering his support to the cause. He did so through a written statement. Osborn pointed to well-documented research done by the NCAA on how student-athletes are facing harassment and even being threatened by gamblers following a losing bet.
“As a coach, I saw firsthand the immense pressure student-athletes face," Osborn wrote. "Some of the harshest criticism athletes receive is not for losing but for failing to beat a points spread or reach a certain number of yards, completions, or touchdowns.
"Online sports gambling turns athletic contests into a gambling exercise.”
Oaborn's concerns were echoed by current Cornhuskers assistant coach Brown. He feels that the legalization of online sports betting in the state will serve to increase greed and addiction.
“I personally view gambling and online sports betting as I did my cat when I was a youngster," Brown said. "Mom would tell you, ‘Look what the cat just dragged in the house with its sharp claws.’ It was often a bloody rat.
“Bloody rats to me in this issue are the consequences of gambling and online sports betting. The sharp claws of these endeavors have sadly dragged in the filth and disease of greed, compromise, addiction, and repeat errors.”
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