Poker is a beloved card game among Nebraskans – after all, there’s a reason why Omaha hold ‘em got its name. Although playing for real money online is illegal, NE residents can still take part in tournaments, test their skills, or just have fun. Despite Justin Wayne’s (the State Senator) efforts to push for the legalization of digital poker, terming it a “game of skills”, it’s unlikely that the state will legalize real-money online poker soon.
The Best Online Gambling Sites in Nebraska
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7 min read
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Nebraska casinos have been through regulatory adversity for the longest run. This has led to Nebraska players having limited online gaming experience. However, recent developments have sparked hope for a brighter e-casino gaming future, with different proposals tabled and awaiting the green light from legislators.
Despite the hard times, residents of the state have turned to several reputable and reliable offshore casinos. Do you want to know more about online casinos in the Cornhusker state? Here’s an overview of Nebraska casino laws, popular games, local land-based casinos, and the history of gambling legislation in this state.
The Best Nebraska Casino Sites
Nebraska, United States
- 1Best CasinoBonus1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins
- Number of games:1200+
- Min. deposit:$9.99
Benefits- Over 1200+ slots games
- Exclusive “Star” VIP system, email SC draws, referral programs, and chat promos
- Bingo and Live Casino
- Daily login bonuses
- Redemption available
Overview- Website
- Established 2021
- Min deposit $0.49
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 2Highly RecommendedBonus1 Million GC + 2.5 FREE SC
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Number of games:650+
Benefits- Impressive sign up bonus
- Regular hourly tournaments with SC prizes
- Games updated monthly with new drops
Overview- Website
- Established 2024
- Min deposit no
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 3RecommendedBonusNo deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 Coins & 1000 Entries
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Min. deposit:$4.99
- Number of games:150+
Benefits- High-quality games by top developers
- Mobile app available
- Excellent bonuses and promotions
- User-friendly interface and mobile app
Overview- Website
- Established 2022
- Min deposit $4.99
- No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 4RecommendedBonusNo deposit 100 000 Coins +400 000 GC & free 1000 SC
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Min. deposit:$1.99
- Number of games:140+
Benefits- High-quality selection of games
- Daily bonuses and tournaments available
- User-friendly website design
- 24/7 live chat feature and a friendly customer support team
- Amazing 10-tier VIP club, with benefits like 20% of your played coins return
Overview- Website
- Established 2021
- Min deposit $1.99
- No Deposit Bonus No deposit 100 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 5Top BonusesBonusNo deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 FC & 1000 CC for deposit over $19.99
- Payout speed:1-3 days
- Number of games:100+
Overview- Website
- Established 2024
- Min deposit $6.99
- No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - Benefits
- Intuitive, user-focused interface
- 24/7 customer support
- Opportunity to redeem real money prizes
Overview- Website
- Established 2023
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - Overview
- Website
- Established 2015
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 8Bonus25 Free Stake Cash + 250,000 Gold Coins250,000 Gold Coins
- Payout speed:up to 72 hours
- Number of games:3000+
Benefits- Wide selection of games from top providers
- Accepts various cryptocurrencies for easy deposits and withdrawals
- Live chat support available
- Varied bonuses and promotions
Overview- Website
- Established 2022
- Min deposit $20
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
Reviews of Our Choice of the Best Online Casinos in Nebraska
Looking for the finest online casinos in Nebraska? Our expert team has carefully evaluated and selected the top platforms available to Nebraska players. These casinos stand out for their extensive game selections, generous bonus offers, secure payment methods, and excellent customer support. Discover the best online gaming experiences tailored specifically for players in Nebraska today.
WOW Vegas
WOWVegas is much more than a social casino. It’s one of the few social casinos with backing by a celebrity, and for good reason. Launched in 2021, this sweepstakes casino has grown a wide following thanks to its plethora of slot games, prizes, payment methods, and more. Now, our team brings you everything you need to know about this platform, from WOWVegas casino reviews to the best games and more to explore!
- Website
- Bonus 1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins
- Established 2021
- Games 1200+
- Legal in States All except WA, NV, MI, ID
- Live Dealer No
Pros
- Over 1200+ slots games
- Exclusive “Star” VIP system, email SC draws, referral programs, and chat promos
- Bingo and Live Casino
- Daily login bonuses
- Redemption available
Cons
- Jackpots are only available in WOW Coins
- No dedicated mobile app available at this time
GoldSlips Casino
There are big things underway for GoldSlips Casino. This site is in its beginning stages, but has all the makings of a fun and simple social casino available in most states. We at Lucky Gambler are excited to see what’s in store for the future of GoldSlips, and hope to see more bonuses and promotions. Here is everything you need to know about this new social casino, from our expert reviews to ratings, gameplay, availability, and more.
- Website
- Bonus 5S Coins + 100K Gold Coins
- Established 2023
- Games 41
- Legal in States All except Washington, Idaho, and Kentucky
- Live Dealer No
Pros
- Intuitive, user-focused interface
- 24/7 customer support
- Opportunity to redeem real money prizes
Cons
- No dedicated mobile app
- Limited games
- No Live Chat Support
LuckyLand
LuckyLand Slots is one of the most intriguing social casino sites in the US, and it’s not just because of the immersive experience that Virtual Gaming Worlds software offers. Everything about it stands out from other social casinos, starting with the Lucky Duck daily promo, jackpot game selection, and instant win games.
- Website
- Bonus 7,777 Gold Coins + 10 Sweeps Coins for FREE
- Established 2015
- Games 114
- Legal in States All states except WA, ID, MI
- Live Dealer No
Stake.us
With sponsors like Drake and the UFC, it’s no wonder Stake.us Casino is quickly becoming a household name for casino lovers. Stake.us Casino is a top contender among social casinos, thanks to its large selection of games, cryptocurrency accepted, and fun community. Our Stake.us review tells you everything you need to know about this massively successful platform. Stake.us social casino is here to stay, find out why!
- Website
- Bonus 25 Free Stake Cash + 250,000 Gold Coins
- Established 2022
- Games 871
- Legal in States All exept WA, NY, NV, ID, KY, MI, VT
- Live Dealer Yes
Pros
- Wide selection of games from top providers
- Accepts various cryptocurrencies for easy deposits and withdrawals
- Live chat support available
- Varied bonuses and promotions
Cons
- No mobile app available
- Limited payment options compared to other casinos
- Smaller daily bonuses don't offer much free stake cash or gold coins
Nebraska’s Online Gambling Laws
The online gambling industry in this state is regulated by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission (NRGC). This regulatory body was established through LB 561, a bill adopted to reform the gambling policies in the state. The commission will also be in charge of overseeing online casinos if legislators decide to legalize online gambling.According to Nebraska’s gambling laws and regulations, both poker sites and e-casinos are illegal. The only platforms on which gamblers can play legitimate Internet casino games are sweepstakes casino sites. Although they don’t allow for real winnings, they still offer games like blackjack, bingo, and authentic slots.
Despite the ban, Nebraskans are allowed to use offshore casino platforms to play for real money or bonuses. However, it is recommended that players approach any site offering real money jackpots and bonuses with caution.
Some offshore online casino platforms allow Nebraskans to play on a regular basis on their platforms. However, most of them have enforced the ban issued by the state laws. This has seen players who want to play bingo or online slot machines receive a “Geolocation Error” message when trying to play.
How does Nebraska Regulate Gambling?
Nebraska does not condone gambling, especially online. As per state laws, engaging in any form of gambling exceeding a bet amount of $300 is seen as a second-degree promotion of gambling. If the bet amount is less than $300, then it is seen as a third-degree promotion of gambling. All these offenses are punishable under the state laws.
A second-degree promotion of gambling is classified under Class II misdemeanor, while a third-degree promotion is under Class IV misdemeanor. Class II misdemeanor attracts a punishment of a fine of up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail or both. Class IV misdemeanor attracts a $500 fine.
Nebraska Revised Statutes, Section 2-1201 et seq, Section 28-1101 et seq, and Section 9-201 et seq, cover most matters related to betting play. The Nebraska Gaming Commission is responsible for regulating the operation of legal betting locations like horse racing tracks. They also license gambling establishments that some horse racing clubs offer on-site.
In terms of age regulation, the state only allows betting on any games of chance, from slots to bingo, for individuals aged 21 years and above. This simply means that, just like other states, it prohibits betting among children and young adults below the legal age.
Online Casino Gambling in Nebraska
Online casinos with real money wagering are not legal in Nebraska. However, offshore casino platforms are available to the residents of the state. This is the only way for them to access sportsbooks or casinos that offer live blackjack, slots, or Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and bet for profit.
It’s important to note that although Nebraskans can access these sites, the activity itself is legally a gray area. You can end up in a lot of trouble if caught, but it is unlikely to happen. There haven’t been any reported cases of someone being arrested or punished for using an offshore casino site.
With the state of illegality, players should be especially cautious if they decide to try gambling online with operators not licensed by the state’s authorities. Unregulated platforms might take advantage of Nebraskans by not paying out their winnings or rejecting bonus payouts. The limited level of intervention from the state government in case of an issue makes these sites risky.
On the other hand, gambling is not always about profit. If you like playing slots for fun, then there are plenty of Nebraska casinos that allow you to enjoy your favorite games safely! Here’s an overview of the most popular options one can find in Nebraska.
Online Poker
Daily Fantasy Sports
While Nebraskans are not allowed to engage in other forms of e-betting, they are allowed to enjoy Daily Fantasy Sports betting. The game is not technically legal; it exists in a legal gray area, but players can still enjoy it on offshore sites. On the other hand, law enforcers have also not stopped DFS betting service providers from engaging in their operations.
Sports Betting
Since May 2021, when the state legislature passed a bill to support betting on sports, wagering in this form has been legal. However, online betting has not yet been legalized. Players can bet in the two retail locations already established in the state, the WarHorse Casino in Lincoln and Grand Island Casino Resort in Grand Island.
Online Horse Betting
Horse race betting is legal, and bettors are allowed to gamble at live horse racing events on-site via simulcast betting or internet betting via a mobile app. Currently, six horse racing tracks offer bettors a chance to experience thrilling horse races.
Lottery
Lotteries are legal and regulated by the Nebraska Department of Revenue, so Nebraskans can try their luck in a range of lotto and scratch games. What’s more, NE residents can even participate in a lottery online. Prizes for lottery games can vary from free coins or tickets to millions of dollars. Some locations even offer a welcome bonus for new entrants.
Nebraska Land-Based Casinos
Land-based casinos were legalized in Nebraska in 2021. As of now, there are several horse racetrack casinos, tribal casinos, social casinos, and table game centers that offer Nebraskans the thrill of casino gaming, from table games to slot machines. Here are the best of them!
History of Gambling Legislation in Nebraska
In the 19th century, Omaha, NE was a notorious betting town that even went ahead to have a popular poker game variation named after it. However, betting in the state was banned until 1934, when the state constitution allowed betting on horse races at racetracks.
Beyond keno parlors and racetracks, legal wagering places remained limited until 1988, when the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act pioneered on-reservation tribal gaming in the early 1990s. In 1993, after the state government approved lottery regulations, the state lottery started selling the first tickets.
Fueled by the voters’ requests for commercial and social casinos, the state legalized them in 2020, thus pioneering a new era for liberal gambling. 2021 saw the first land-based casinos open at licensed racetracks.
States with legal online gambling
Nebraska Online Casinos FAQ
What Is the Gambling Age in Nebraska?
The legal gambling age in the state is 21 years old and above. Nebraskans below 21 are not allowed to gamble.
Who Regulates Gambling in Nebraska?
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission (NRGC) oversees betting locations and casinos and is in charge of issuing the Authorized Gaming Operator License, while the Department of Revenue regulates lotteries.
Are Online Casinos Legal in Nebraska?
Online casinos are prohibited by state laws. Any form of online casino site is not allowed, although licensed operators may offer digital wagering options. However, Nebraskans can wager on offshore internet sites.
Can I Win Real Money at Online Casinos in Nebraska?
Real-money casino sites are illegal in Nebraska. Players can only play in sweepstakes or social casinos. Those who want to start playing and competing for generous rewards can try their luck in offshore casinos. However, it is important to choose such a site carefully as the state will not be able to protect the player in case of any issue.
Are Gambling Winnings Taxable in Nebraska?
According to the state’s gambling laws, there is a withholding tax of 5% (flat rate) charged on all raffle or lottery winnings paid to a resident or non-resident. Every amount of state income tax and winnings withheld must be reported on Federal Form W-2G or a federally approved substitute.
When Will Online Casinos Be Legal in Nebraska?
Several bills have been pushed to state legislators seeking to reclassify digital casino games as games of skills and not gambling. However, these attempts have not been supported by the legislators, so the chances of new online gambling legalization being introduced are low as of today.
Jeremy Olson runs team of writers and creates the overall content strategy. With years of experience in the gambling industry, Jeremy has honed his skills not only as a writer but also as a strategic thinker, making long-term content plans that align with the website’s goals.
