Nebraska Sports Betting Launch Leads to Increase in Casino Foot Traffic

The launch of Nebraska sports betting appears to be having a positive impact on casino foot traffic and revenue in The Cornhusker State. 

This, of course, was the goal when sports betting in Nebraska got legalized back in 2021. But operations did not launch until the summer of 2023. By that point, the vast majority of legal sports betting in the United States was taking place online. And that remains the case today. 

Throughout many markets, in fact, over 95 percent of all bets placed are processed through a mobile sportsbook.

But this share runs counter to the setup for Nebraska sports betting. Thus far, only on-site retail locations are authorized to provide services. And some of them, by the way, have operated out of makeshift locations. 

This has led many to wonder how much of an impact sports betting would have on Nebraska casinos. Would customers be inclined to make the trek to brick and mortar operations? Might some be more inclined to use online sportsbooks in Kansas, one of The Cornhusker State’s bordering neighbors? 

Indeed, the Nebraska sports betting market will have a tough time maximizing earnings without adding an online element. But nearly 18 months later, it does at least as if the legalization of sports betting is having the intended effect on casinos.

Speaking with KSNB-TV in Nebraska, Grand Island Casino’s general manager Vince Fiala explained that more people are visiting the establishment since the state’s sports betting launch:

Grand Island Casino Sees Major Uptick in Foot Traffic Following Launch of Nebraska Sports Betting

Here’s what Fiala has to say on the impact of sports betting

“The Grand Island casino in Nebraska has seen an influx of customers since it launched The Elite Sportsbook last year…Nebraska football’s matchup against Iowa marked the first time that customers could bet on high-stakes games. ‘There were over 425 bets that were placed or wagers on that game alone, which was our highest one in November, so that’s really good, and the wagers were a little bit over $100 which is kind of the average wager on a game like that,’ Fiala explains. Over $45,000 was bet on the highly-contested game. Even when the regular college football season is done, ‘there is still plenty to get excited about in the sports betting world,’ according to Fiala.”

For Nebraska, betting on college football was always going to be a goldmine. The University of Nebraska football team is the biggest draw in the market. The same can also be said for betting on the NFL. Nebraska does not house a pro franchise, but they border states that have the Denver Broncos (Colorado) and Kansas City Chiefs (Missouri). 

Fiala also correctly notes that betting on the 2024 Olympics over the summer helped drive foot traffic as well. The summer games are held just once every four years. The Olympics in general, alternating between summer and winner, takes place just once every two years. That is what the industry calls a scarcity of product. And with any scarcity of product comes a high demand whenever it’s in stock. That is part of what makes betting on NCAA football and betting on NFL football so popular relative to betting on MLB or betting on the NBA. Fewer games means higher stakes and, thus, more intense interest for each competition.

Has the Popularity of Sports Betting in The Cornhusker State Already Peaked?

Revelatory returns have a way of fomenting skepticism. Nebraska sports betting is no exception. While younger markets are supposed to grow, the absence of online sports betting in Nebraska has many wondering if there’s still room for an upward trajectory. 

For what it’s worth, Fiala believes Nebraska is only scratching the surface of his potential:

“Fiala foresees the soccer season bringing in sports bettors and when the casino’s full facility opens, he said they will have a much larger betting floor. Once complete, the new facility will include 750 slot machines and 20 table games. It will also feature a show lounge on the gaming floor for local and regional entertainment. There will be a 162-room hotel with a full-service salon and spa plus an indoor-outdoor pool. Grand Island Casino Resort continues to be on schedule for an early 2025 opening.”

Without question, the casino will benefit from the opening of its debut facility. And Nebraska sports betting should experience another uptick as a result. Long term, though, there is a clear cap on the amount of business they can do. Online sports betting in the United States is ubiquitous. And it feels like the future of the industry. Without it, Nebraska is seemingly consigning itself to lower revenue projections.

Would Nebraska Online Sports Betting Hurt Casinos?

At the same time, the absence of Nebraska online sports betting is somewhat by design. Casino stakeholders and policymakers are aiming to keep revenue in the state. That is much harder to do when online sportsbooks from all over the United States enter a market.

Nevertheless, The Cornhusker State is expected to seriously consider the implementation of online sports betting during the next round of legislative sessions. Policymakers even called a special session to discuss it earlier this year.

Whether Nebraska online sports betting will actually add an online element is debatable. It is certainly more convenient. In theory, though, it gives sports bettors in Nebraska less of a reason to visit casinos.

Reconciling this issue will be paramount. Can lawmakers set up any online sports betting bill to ensure casinos get cuts of revenues from outside operators? Might they mandate some type of casino partnership for any online betting sites in Nebraska? 

It remains too early to tell. But online sports betting is clearly on Nebraska’s brain. Though, given the positive indicators for casinos, you have to wonder if the impetus to expand might diminish. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can find one that works for all of your sports betting needs: