Voters in Nebraska, Indiana, and Virginia are casting ballots today on gambling measures that could open a new online sports betting market, authorize a $500 million casino development, and expand horse racing wagering facilities.
Nebraska’s closely contested online sports betting referendum has attracted significant industry funding, with DraftKings and FanDuel each contributing approximately $10.4 million to the campaign supporting legalization. A low-liquidity prediction market on Kalshi favors approval, although limited polling data leaves the outcome uncertain.
The state’s two ballot measures, Initiatives 440 and 441, must both pass to authorize mobile sports wagering. Measure 440 would amend Nebraska’s constitution to permit online betting through licensed racetrack casinos, while Measure 441 would establish regulations under the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission.
Approval would introduce a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue, with 70% of the proceeds allocated to property-tax relief. Bettors and wagering servers would have to be physically located within Nebraska, while existing restrictions on betting on Nebraska teams competing in the state would remain.
Nebraska currently permits sports wagering only at its five racetrack casinos. According to the state gaming regulator, sports betting generated approximately $9.3 million in revenue last year, resulting in less than $2 million in tax collections.
The legalization campaign, organized by Tax Relief Nebraska, has raised approximately $21.7 million to $22.5 million. In addition to DraftKings and FanDuel’s funding, Fanatics has contributed $600,000 and BetMGM $500,000.
Opposition groups, including Save Nebraska Sports and the Nebraska Family Alliance, have raised concerns about gambling-related harm. Former Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne has also opposed the proposals.
“Nebraskans support, embrace, and protect our athletes,” Osborne said. “Legalizing online sports gambling does none of those things.”
Meanwhile, voters in three northeast Indiana counties are deciding whether to allow a casino development requiring at least $500 million in investment. Under House Enrolled Act 1038, approved earlier this year, Allen, DeKalb and Steuben counties are eligible to compete for a single new inland casino license. The legislation also eliminates an unused racino license.
A successful referendum would allow developers to submit applications to the Indiana Gaming Commission by December 1. The regulator must issue decisions by April 15, 2027, although local government and regulatory approvals would still be required before construction.
The selected developer would have to invest at least $500 million in casino and non-gambling facilities, with 60% of the investment completed within two years of license authorization. The remaining investment and development must be completed within five years after operations begin.
The developer would also pay a $100 million licensing fee and $50 million to support communities affected by casino closures. A 2025 Indiana Gaming Commission study projected that an Allen County casino could generate $204 million in annual revenue and $61 million in state gaming taxes.
Supporters have cited potential employment and revenue benefits, while opponents have warned about gambling-related harm.
In Virginia, voters in Amherst County and the town of Pulaski are deciding whether to permit pari-mutuel wagering at satellite facilities.
Approval would allow Churchill Downs Incorporated, the company behind Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, to pursue historical horse racing facilities in both communities, subject to regulatory requirements. Each measure requires a simple majority, while Amherst County previously rejected a similar proposal in 2021.