Betting Sites Lobbying Nebraska Politicians
Jesse M. Cox Published 22/04/2026
As lawmakers in Nebraska consider the legalization of sports betting in the state, the leading online sportsbooks in the U.S. legal and regulated market are letting their money do the talking.
Millions of dollars in lobbying funds are finding their way from top sports betting sites into the campaign war chests of several of Nebraska’s top politicians, especially those who figure to have a significant say in the legalization of sports betting in the state.
Among those receiving financial donations from sportsbooks are Governor Jim Pillen and Tax Relief Nebraska. That’s the group organizing two petitions seeking to place a referendum about the legalization of online sports betting in Nebraska on the November 2026 ballot.
Politicians are getting millions in backing from sports betting sites
According to research done for a report published by Nebraska Public Radio, gambling companies are funneling millions of dollars into ballot measures seeking to legalize sports betting and to individual politicians with the power to push such legislation into law.
Elected officials all the way down from Gov. Jim Pillen through to legislative candidates in the November 2026 election received lucrative financial contributions from online sports betting platforms.
Scooping the largest portions from this gravy train were Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers. Hilgers received the most money from gambling companies between 2025 and early April of 2026. His total donations of $75,000 included contributions from online gambling platforms like FanDuel and MGM, industry groups such as the Coalition for Fantasy Sports, and local casinos, including WarHorse Gaming.
Pillen also received a $20,000 contribution from WarHorse Gaming. His other contributions include $15,000 from Caesars Entertainment, $25,000 from the Grand Island Casino Resort PAC, and $10,000 from Husker Gaming LLC, a subsidiary of skill game operator Accel Entertainment.
While admitting he’s not a fan of gambling, Pillen indicated that he would support legalizing sports betting in the state.
“I’m an advocate,” Pillen told the Nebraska Examiner. “I won’t stand in the way.
“Anybody who takes that, I’ll support it.”
Legendary Cornhuskers coach speaks out against sports betting
Pillen played defensive back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 1970s under coach Tom Osborne. Interestingly, Osborne, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, is a vocal opponent of legalizing sports betting in the state.
“The athletic contest becomes less of a sporting event and more of a gambling exercise, with a gambler’s financial security at risk,” Osborne said.
Betting sites are backing a sports betting referendum
Getting massive financial backing is Tax Relief Nebraska. FanDuel and DraftKings each contributed $1.1 million to the organization.
In total, the group has received $2.6 million in donations from the gambling industry.
Tax Relief Nebraska is circulating two petitions. One would create a referendum to change the state constitution to allow for online sports betting. This petition requires signatures from 10% of registered voters for the referendum to be added to the November ballot.
The second petition alters state gambling regulations. It needs 7% support to be added to the ballot.
The group has until July 3 to collect the necessary signatures. If the referendums ultimately succeed, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission would be required to change the state’s gambling rules by June 1, 2027.