Top Sportsbooks in Nebraska in 2024

Nebraska isn’t famous for much but corn and well, the Cornhuskers football team that represents them. It’s true, Nebraska is a laid-back part of the country with an affinity for sports — the should be perfect combo for a sneaky-good sports betting market. However, it’s not the case because the state doesn’t make betting on sports easy.

But where there’s a will there’s a way because we found the best betting option for Nebraska residents — and it involves freely making bets online. You’re gonna want to keep reading to get our in-depth betting guide for Nebraska — with tips, recommendations, and an explainer on what’s legal and what’s not.

Quick Nebraska Facts

Last updated on: November 21, 2024

Is Sports Betting Legal In Nebraska?

Yes, but not in the way you probably want. See, Nebraska legalized sports betting way back in 2021. However, it passed with no language for online betting — only in-person at local casinos. So at the moment, betting on wagers can only be done in four casinos inside of the state.

There’s been a recent push to get online betting going, but it’s far from a guarantee. An amendment was drafted in 2024 that includes online betting wagering, however, it needs 80% support from lawmakers this year — or 60% in 2026. The thing is, 13 senators have already come out against this amendment, which will make that 80% approval a tall task.

For these reasons, we encourage Nebraska bettors to go offshore for their online betting fix. There’s a host of offshore betting sites that work perfectly fine in Nebraska. This is because as offshore entities, they don’t have to abide by Nebraska laws. In the rest of this article, we’ll explain why these sportsbooks are better options, plus our suggestions for ones to use.

A Brief Timeline of the Legality of Nebraska Sports Betting

We'll be honest, not much has happened since 2021. That's the year sports betting went live, but an amendment to expand to online wagering was also shot down. See below, it's been a nothing burger for the state:

Best Sportsbooks In Each Category in Nebraska

Last updated on: November 21, 2024

Top 7 Nebraska Sports Betting Sites

Nebraska bettors have their pick at sportsbooks cause there’s a lot to choose from — maybe too much because it can get confusing. But worry not, we’ve drilled down on the seven-best sites to use if you’re inside the state:

1. BetOnline - Competitive odds and early line releases.
2. BetUS - Extensive range of betting bonuses that pay big time.
3. XBet - Really top-notch mobile betting app.
4. Bovada - User-friendly interface and reliable mobile betting experience.
5. BetNow - Generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for regular players.
6. Everygame - Long-standing reputation and multi-language support for international bettors.
7. MyBookie - Innovative rewards program for long-term betting.

#1 BetOnline

Nebraska bettors looking for a sportsbook that offers more than just the basics, BetOnline is where you NEED to be. BetOnline goes above and beyond in more ways than one with its offering.

Let’s start with the sportsbook. For those die-hard Cornhuskers fans, BetOnline covers all your go-to sports like football, basketball, and baseball. But what makes BetOnline different is the sheer range of betting options available across different sports, leagues, and countries. Curling, cricket, ping pong, WWE — you can bet on almost anything at BetOnline.

But it’s not just the variety of sports that sets BetOnline apart — it’s the range of betting types too. From the usual moneylines and spreads to live betting, props, and futures, there’s no shortage of ways to get in on the action. Plus, BetOnline is known for getting the odds up early, so if you’re the kind who likes to jump on a line as soon as possible, this is the place to do it.

And let’s not forget, BetOnline isn’t just fast, it’s reliable. With smooth, real-time updates during live betting and a user-friendly interface, it’s designed to make your betting experience as seamless as possible. In our experience, lag was nowhere to be found.

All this is to say BetOnline is a tremendous all-around betting site. With all these features, there’s really something for everyone on-site:

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#2 BetUS

Betting isn’t just about picking winners and avoiding losers. An equally important aspect is getting max value out of a bet AND your bookmaker. The latter is where BetUS enters the equation because this site is the definition of bang for your buck.

We say that because of the big-money bonuses. Let’s talk numbers so you know what we mean by “big money.” While most sportsbooks might offer a welcome bonus that caps around $1,000, BetUS blows that out of the water. They’re offering up to $3,125 in free play right off the bat. And if you’re savvy enough to make your first deposit with crypto, that number jumps to a jaw-dropping $5,000. Deals like this are almost unheard of.

And it doesn’t stop there. Even their refer-a-friend bonus is a head-turner. Max it out, and you could pocket up to $6,000 in free play. Compare that to the $200 or so you might get elsewhere, and it’s clear that BetUS isn’t playing around. Plus, there’s even a raffle associated with the referral bonus. Every referral gets you into a drawing with giveaway prizes like Super Bowl tickets, an Apple Vision Pro, and more. See, what we mean? These guys are different at BetUS.

These are just a few examples, but BetUS offers a range of other promotions that are just as enticing, whether you’re into casino games, crypto, or special events. The free play never stops on-site. Ever. All this free play is a great way to minimize some of the risks that come with gambling.

If you value free betting, there’s simply no better choice than BetUS. No one — not another offshore site, not a local casino, not a national company like FanDuel — can compare with BetUS’ offers.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#3 XBet

Our biggest gripe with Nebaraska’s sports betting scene is the lack of online options. We mean, who has the time to drive to the casino and place a bet there? In today’s fast-paced world, mobile is where it’s at. The good thing is XBet knows this, and has gone all-in on producing a killer mobile app.

Well, app might not be the best word. That’s because there’s nothing to download from Apple or Google’s app stores. Just open your mobile browser, head to XBet, and you’re good to go. This makes betting on the go super accessible to anyone, no matter their device too.

Once on XBet’s mobile experience, what immediately grabs your attention is its sleek design. This isn’t your typical, outdated betting app. XBet has embraced modern design trends, constantly refining its interface to stay ahead of the curve — we’ve seen these tweaks first-hand over the years. In the same timeframe, we’ve seen many competitors not change their look once. That’s why you have to hand it to XBet for evolving with the times.

But XBet isn’t just about looking good. The functionality is top-notch, too. Whether you’re placing sports bets or diving into casino games, the platform is smooth and reliable. No lag, no frustrating glitches — just a flawless experience whether you’re on Wi-Fi or cellular data.

XBet isn’t just following the trends, it’s setting them. For Nebraska bettors who want to stay ahead of the game, XBet offers one of the best mobile experiences around.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#4 Bovada

This pick is for those Nebraska folks a little on the fence about going offshore. Maybe they’ve heard it’s unsafe or just untrustworthy. That’s not true IF you’re using Bovada. These guys are as safe as can be.

You see, Bovada has been a cornerstone in the online betting world since the early 2010s — long before many of today’s big names even existed. You simply don’t stick around this industry that long if you’re sketchy. You just don’t! But not only has Bovada not only stood the test of time but it has continued to thrive, accumulating one of the biggest user bases in the industry.

What we really like about Bovada is how straightforward it is. There are no gimmicks here — just a user-friendly platform that gets right into the betting. The menus are intuitive, pages load quickly, and handling your deposits and withdrawals is a breeze. Everything works as it should, making your betting experience as smooth as possible.

Because of its ease of use, Bovada is especially great for Nebraska bettors who are new to the online betting game. Out of all the sportsbooks, Bovada is likely the easiest to pick up and start using right away. The learning curve is practically non-existent, you’ll be navigating the site like a pro in no time.

In short, Bovada ticks all the boxes —reliable, easy to use, and designed with the bettor in mind. It’s also loaded with sports bets so that’s really all you need as a Nebraska bettor.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#5 BetNow

BetNow is a dynamic betting platform that lives up to its title. Whether you’re into sports, spinning the reels at the casino, or testing your poker face, BetNow has got you covered with an impressive array of options that keep the action going. It’s a true one-stop shop for betting.

But what really caught our attention isn’t just the variety of betting options — it’s the bonuses. BetNow may not flaunt the biggest bonus figures like some of its flashier competitors (looking at you, BetUS), but what it does offer is optionality with its promotional deals. From four different welcome bonuses to multiple reload deals and rebates, there’s something for everyone here.

BetNow recognizes that every bettor is different.  Most competitors aren’t the same and offer one promotion and that’s it. It doesn’t make sense a “high roller” gets what a complete newbie would. That’s why BetNow’s approach is so refreshing. It really allows bettors to pick the promotion that fits their needs and wants.

But there’s one BetNow deal that needs to be called out — the exclusive sportsbook rebate. No other site offers this kind of perk: a 2 percent refund on your sportsbook losses (net losses). It might sound modest, but in the world of betting, any kind of refund on sports is a win.

We’re big fans of BetNow from top to bottom. For bettors that want personalized options, there’s simply no second best than BetNow.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#6 Everygame

Everygame brings a European flair to the list (they’re based out of there). Even though Nebraska might be more about Huskers football, if you’ve got a soft spot for soccer, Everygame is where you need to start out.

But soccer isn’t the only thing Everygame excels at. Their live betting system is top-notch, easily ranking among the best we’ve come across. The real-time odds updates are quick and seamless, with minimal lag, ensuring that you’re always in the game when it matters most. This will come in clutch when the Cornhuskers are in action.

Everygame covers a wide range of sports and leagues for in-play betting too. Whether you’re betting on the NFL, NBA, MLB, or top European leagues like La Liga and the Premier League, you’ll find live betting options on every significant matchup. Smaller sports might not get as much love, but that’s the norm across the industry so you can’t really knock Everygame for it.

The smoothness of Everygame’s live betting feature makes it a standout choice for those who are serious about in-play betting. If you value the ability to bet in real-time like that, Everygame will be tough to beat out in that respect.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#7 MyBookie

MyBookie is a jack-of-all-trades destination for bettors in Nebraska, offering everything you need in one convenient platform. Whether you’re into sports betting, casino games, poker, or even the racebook, MyBookie has it all under one roof. No need to jump around between sites cause MyBookie can fulfill all your gambling needs.

Starting with the sportsbook, MyBookie offers a comprehensive selection of betting options that cover all your favorite sports. But that’s just scratching the surface. The casino section is loaded with hundreds of games that deserve more attention. Both these platforms come with their unique promotions too in case you need some free funds to play with.

But what ties this all together is the MyBookie VIP rewards program. Every bet you place, no matter where on the site, earns you points. And here’s the kicker — some bets, like those sports parlays, rack up more points than others. The beauty of this system is that every single wager counts toward your rewards. No dollar is ever wasted on-site.

And unlike those one-and-done sign-up bonuses, MyBookie’s rewards program is ongoing. There’s no cap on how much free play you can accumulate. For those who plan to make betting a long-term hobby, MyBookie’s VIP perks are hard to ignore.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Where Are Sportsbooks Like Fanduel, DraftKings, Caesars?

Without the ability to bet online, these commercial operators are left outside of the Nebraska market. Only casinos can offer sports betting, and none have chosen to partner with these operators — instead building out their own proprietary platforms. Unless the law gets amended, things will be staying like this without DraftKings, Caesars, and the rest.

To reiterate, the only way to bet sports online is by going offshore. These options work perfectly fine inside the state too. Scope out the seven we recommended above and you’ll be on your way to worry-free online wagering in Nebraska.

Betting On Politics, Esports, Entertainment In Nebraska

Let’s talk in hypotheticals for a second and act like online sports betting was completely legal in Nebraska. That means you’d be able to bet on outcomes in the presidential election and entertainment shows, right? No. Nebraska regulators would likely ban those types of non-sports bets. That’s what every state with legalized sports betting has done so surely Nebraska would follow suit.

In case you need one more reason to go offshore, those platforms exclusively offer bets on politics, entertainment, WWE, and other non-sporting results. These betting markets are the perfect way to “spice things up” and we’re personally big fans of throwing money on it.

Betting Apps In Nebraska

As we’ve talked about, without the ability to bet on your phone, sports betting in Nebraska just isnt going to cut it. It’s just facts: the majority of bettors need the on-the-go option. That’s why we’ve written an entire guide to betting apps in Nebraska. This is must-read stuff to alleviate the problems currently ongoing in Nebraska!

Start Betting In Nebraska Today — Our Guides

We want you to win at betting too — not give it all back to the offshore sportsbooks. You can’t do that by “going with your gut” alone though. You need a legit strategy, which is why we’ve written must-read guides on what it takes to be a successful bettor:

• Top Betting Tips — want to make money wagering? Read this!
• Best Sports Betting Strategies — the above article is a college 101 class to this one, which take your betting to the next level!
• How Do Odds Work — self-explanatory here, learn everything there is to know about understanding betting odds.
• Types of Sports Bets — a complete primer to the various types of sports betting forms.
• Betting Odds Calculator — calculate how much money a bet or parlay pays out

Payment Methods Available For Nebraska Sportsbooks

Getting money in and out of offshore sportsbooks is designed to be easy — and it is because they support the most common payment methods. Here’s what to expect:

• VISA — the co-most popular card accepted on betting sites.
• Mastercard — the other co-most popular card across the betting landscape.
• Bitcoin — the payment method that'll earn you the most free play.
• Bank wire — the tried-and-true payment method.

Also worth knowing: crypto is a payment option exclusive to offshore betting sites. You won’t find any regulated sites that process crypto transactions because regulators outright don’t let them. But when it comes to offshore platforms, they not only accept crypto — they actively promote it. Why? Because it’s quick, dirt cheap to use, and often comes with exclusive bonuses that sweeten the deal.

Nebraska Casinos And Resorts

There are four Native American tribal casinos in the state of Nebraska, two of which are owned and operated by the Winnebago Tribe and the others owned by the Omaha Tribe and Santee Sioux Tribe. All four casinos are located on the eastern side of the state — none close to Omaha. The casinos are as follows:

• Iron Horse Bar and Casino in Emerson, Nebraska
• Lucky 77 Casino in Walthill, Nebraska
• Native Star Casino in Winnebago Nebraska
• Ohiya Casino in Niobrara, Nebraska

History Of Nebraska Legalization Efforts

Honestly, it wasn't much of a struggle to get sports betting legalized in Nebraska. Here's what led up to those events:

2018-2020: Possibilities and First Attempts

With the Supreme Court ending Nevada's monopoly on sports betting, Nebraska was given a beautiful opportunity. It seems like it would end up taking them a few years to even begin considering this golden opportunity.

In 2020, Senator Wayne introduced three bills. these were all slightly different on questions around online betting, its relation to the lottery, or whether it would have been approved only after a voter referendum. None of these bills were able to gain much momentum.

2021: Legalization Finally Happens

Sports betting finally came to Nebraska in 2021. After a voter referendum that was part of a larger gaming expansion, retail locations were permitted to open across the state. The deal was sealed when the legislature passed a bill in May 2021, and launched later that year.

Betting on Nebraska Sports Teams

There aren’t many teams to bet on in the state, but they have a few notable college teams to look at.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers college football team is monumentally the most popular sports team in the state – packing their 86,000 person stadium almost every week. The team has a rich history that includes national titles.

The Creighton Bluejays college basketball program are also in the mix — even making the NCAA Tournament a few times in recent years. They are sneaky-good mid-major hoops program.

Other Types Of Betting In Nebraska

Technically speaking, Nebraska doesn’t have casinos but more like “racinos.” In 2020, the state voted to expand local race tracks (for horse racing) to include some casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette. But these tracks aren’t full-scale casinos like you’d see in other states. Still, this is a hybrid race track and casino offers horse racing, slots, tables games, KENO, and so on.

Nebraska, like most states, also has a lottery. There are state-specific lotteries, but also national ones like the Powerball and Mega Millions. Scratch-off cards are also there for those who want an instant result.

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are also legal in Nebraska. It’s considered a game of skill — not chance. Many different online operators offer these contests for Nebraska fantasy players.

Legal Sports Betting States

We've written about other states at length too, not just Nebraska. Here's quick links to other state guides:

Responsible Gaming In Nebraska

Nebraska is what we would call wholesome. They very clearly take pride in their strong sense of community and responsibility. That’s why we have to make a remark on responsible betting. While we’re endorsing betting on this page, we also know for certain people, it can become a source of stress and not fun as intended.

Realizing when betting stops being fun is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with gambling. If you find yourself chasing losses, feeling stressed about your bets, or if gambling is interfering with your daily life, it’s a sign that things might be getting out of hand. If you find yourself doing any one of these (or worse, multiple of them), it’s time to step back and reassess. There’s no shame in taking a break and seeking help if needed.

Speaking of help, we’ve included three resources below for reference. We hope it never gets to this point, but support is there if you never need it:

Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)

A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.

Nebraska-specific resources:

Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program (GAP) (https://problemgambling.nebraska.gov)

Treatment referrals, and resources for individuals and families affected by gambling addiction in Nebraska.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services – Problem Gambling Services (http://dhhs.ne.gov)

Provides access to counceling, treatment services, and resources for individuals struggling with gambling addiction in Nebraska.

Nebraska Problem Gambling Hotline

A state-run program offering a 24/7 helpline (1-833-238-6837).