Is Online Gambling Legal in Nebraska?
Nebraska strictly regulates online casino gambling to prevent illegal operations and protect minors. It mainly allows social, charitable, and state-run games, including lottery, bingo, and daily fantasy sports. Horse racing and sports betting are allowed, but only at licensed racetracks and commercial casinos. Sweepstakes and social sites are considered a legal alternative to traditional Nebraska online casinos, where residents can play games for free, using virtual currencies. The legal gambling age varies from 18 to 21, depending on the gambling type.
| Gambling type | Legal | Minimum age | Who regulates |
|---|
| Online casinos | No | - | - |
| Social casinos | Yes | 21+ | NRGC |
| Sweepstakes casinos | Yes | 21+ | NRGC |
| Bingo | Yes | 18+ | Nebraska Department of Revenue |
| Lottery | Yes | 18+ | Nebraska Lottery Commission |
| Online poker | No | - | - |
| Online sports betting | No | - | - |
| Daily fantasy sports | Yes | 19+ | RGC |
Best Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Nebraska
At Nebraska sweepstakes casinos, which are fully legal and widely available, players can use gold coins for entertainment and sweeps coins for cash prizes. Here are the top sweepstakes casinos in Nebraska, just as good as traditional ones.
Stake.us is widely considered the best online casino in Nebraska, as evidenced by a 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating based on thousands of reviews. Residents especially like it for its huge variety of bonuses for both new and existing players. In addition to a welcome package and a VIP scheme, Stake.us offers many ongoing promotions, including random prize drops, challenges, and jackpots.
The lobby is also rather impressive. In addition to thousands of slots, there are poker tables, specialty games, and 50 live dealer options streamed from professional studios. All of them can be enjoyed for free.
Pros
- A generous welcome bonus with gold and sweeps coins
- Over 2,200 slot titles from Evolution, Booming Games, and other top providers
- A great loyalty program with level-up rewards, weekly boosts, and other perks
- Supports BTC, ETH, LTC, and other cryptocurrencies
Cons
- Identity verification required before purchasing gold coins
WoW Vegas is easily recognized by Paris Hilton, the brand’s ambassador since 2024. Due to an intuitive design and simple navigation, WoW Vegas is suitable for those who have never gambled before. The lobby includes over 1,900 games from almost 40 developers, and new titles are added almost every week.
WoW Vegas is also one of the best sweepstakes casinos in Nebraska for those who appreciate bonus offers. It gives away thousands of free coins upon registration and offers a $9.99 bonus on the first purchase. There’s a referral program and lots of ongoing promotions with generous prize drops. WoW Vegas also boasts several industry awards and 24/7 customer support.
Pros
- Over 1,900 online casino games
- Affordable quick buy packages
- A progressive jackpot system with 4 tiers
- Accepts Visa, Apple Pay, Trustly, Skrill, and many other payment options
Cons
- Doesn’t have a native app
McLuck is a social casino released in 2023. It operates on a dual-currency system and accepts players from multiple states, including Nebraska. While the welcome bonus is smaller than other brands’, there are several ongoing promotions and a loyalty club with weekly coin boosts, a VIP manager, and level-up rewards. McLuck is also known for its progressive jackpot system with four levels. Just play casino games from the list and win prizes reaching millions of gold coins.
The lobby includes over 1,000 games from Playtech, Booming Games, Habanero, and other popular providers. We recommend trying their live dealer games, especially American Roulette, Grand Bonus Baccarat, and Crash Live.
Pros
- Grand Jackpot with a 200 million GC prize pool
- Over 1,000 casino style games
- Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Native iOS and Android apps
Cons
- The welcome bonus could be bigger
Released by Spiral Interactive in 2015, Gambino Slots might not be the best NE online casino sites when it comes to game variety, but it is definitely a great platform to play slots from renowned developers. We especially recommend trying Breaking Bank, Spell Sisters, Wild Pearls, and Aztec Fortunes. All of them can be played for free.
When it comes to bonuses, Gambino Slots has a great welcome package with free spins and GC, as well as free daily gifts, a referral program, and a VIP scheme. Stay active, climb the loyalty ladder, and enjoy exclusive and personalized gifts.
Pros
- A large package of free spins and GC upon registration
- A decent selection of progressive slots
- Linked social systems: friend lists, leaderboards, and more
- iOS, Android, and Amazon Appstore apps with high ratings
Best Online Casinos with Native Apps
More and more residents choose Nebraska casino apps over desktop versions. They are fast and convenient, and provide additional protection through integrated payment methods and two-factor authentication. Native apps also offer improved performance, notifications, and personalization features that make gameplay even more rewarding. Here are the best Nebraska gambling sites to play your favorite casino games on the go:
| # | Casino | Google Play Rating | App Store Rating | | | | |
|---|
| 1 | | Google Play Rating 4.6/5 | App Store Rating 4.7/5 | | | | |
| 2 | | Google Play Rating 4.5/5 | App Store Rating 4.8/5 | | | | |
| 3 | | Google Play Rating 4.4/5 | App Store Rating 4.6/5 | | | | |
| 4 | | Google Play Rating - | App Store Rating 4.6/5 | | | | |
| 5 | | Google Play Rating 3.9/5 | App Store Rating 4.6/5 | | | | |
What Bonuses Can You Get at Nebraska Casinos?
Online casino bonuses give players more value, fun, and flexibility. They extend gambling sessions and allow trying new games with less or no cost at all. In the following sections, we want to share what bonus types the best Nebraska online gambling sites have in store.
Sign up & First Purchase Bonus
When creating an account at sweepstakes casinos, Nebraskans usually receive welcome bonuses in the form of virtual currencies and free spins for an easy start. They are often followed by a first purchase package, a Nebraska online casino bonus that boosts the coin balance for a small fee. At Wow Vegas, for example, new players can purchase extra Wow and sweeps coins for $9.99.
Daily Login Bonus
Daily bonuses are common in social and sweepstakes casinos, rewarding players simply for logging in each day. The more consistently players return, the larger the rewards become. Missing a day may reset the bonus, requiring players to restart the streak. Daily login rewards typically include small amounts of gold coins and sweepstakes coins that build up over time.
Promo Codes
Another popular type of casino bonuses often found at Nebraska casino sites is promo codes. They allow residents to unlock special offers during registration, at the time of deposit, or on special occasions. Depending on the code, Nebraskans may receive extra coins, free spins, loyalty points, or other perks. When used correctly, they can improve the overall betting experience without extra effort.
Refer-a-friend & Social Media Giveaways
NE online casinos offer referral bonuses that reward players for bringing in new users. To get extra coins, players need to share a unique invite link and wait while a referred person signs up or completes another qualifying action. At Gambino Slots, for instance, the reward may reach 50,000 G-Coins per friend. It is also common to find social media giveaways for signing up and staying active on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms.
Online Casino Games Available in Nebraska
Nebraska online casino sites offer some of the best game categories, including slots, table games, and live dealer titles. If you feel overwhelmed by the variety and don’t know where to start, here’s a detailed overview compiled by the Lucky Gambler team.
Online Slots
Slot machines remain the most popular category at sweepstakes casinos due to their simplicity and fast outcomes. They come in multiple variations, don’t require any skills, and offer low betting limits. All recommended casinos offer a wide selection of slot games, with Stake.us leading the way with over 2,200 titles.Table Games
Another great category worth trying is table games. Unlike video slots, outcomes are not determined by pure luck, and players are active participants, not bystanders. The most popular categories of table games are roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat, each with its own rules, paytables, and betting limits. We recommend learning the basic rules before getting started.Live Dealer Games
These are table games streamed from a professional studio or a brick and mortar casino. Live games are hosted by real dealers, not virtual machines, which adds transparency and immersion to the process. Residents can talk to other players, leave tips, and even hear the sounds of chips on the table. To try live casino games, head to McLuck, which has great options for roulette, baccarat, and blackjack lovers.Specialty Games
Specialty games at Nebraska sweepstakes casinos are titles that don't fit the categories above. They often include keno, bingo, scratch cards, fishing, or arcade-style games. Just like slots, they are fast-paced, based on luck, and easy to play. Many specialty games offer small stakes but frequent wins, making them a fun alternative for residents who want to take a break from traditional titles.
Are Online Casino Sites Legal in Nebraska?
Real money online casinos are not currently legal in Nebraska. Instead, residents can play at sweepstakes and social casinos like Stake.us, WoW Vegas, McLuck.
Nebraska’s Gambling Laws
Nebraska’s gambling market is tightly regulated, focusing primarily on charitable and social activities. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission (NRGC) is the state’s primary authority, which regulates racetracks, pari-mutuel horse racing, and charitable gaming. Non-profit and charitable organizations must follow strict requirements. The state lottery is governed by the Nebraska Lottery Commission, which actively funds education and public programs. Country officials and local law enforcement oversee bingo, raffles, and other types of social gaming.
While online gambling sites in Nebraska remain prohibited, there are four tribal casinos and five racetrack casinos that are regulated by the National Indian Gaming Commission and the NRGC. In-person sports wagering was approved and launched at some land-based casinos in 2023.
The Cornhusker State remains more restrictive than states like Maine or New Jersey, where the gambling industry is part of an economic development strategy. At the same time, Nebraska remains more permissive than Hawaii or Utah, where almost all forms of gambling are prohibited.
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.
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.
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.
Tax on Gambling Winnings in Nebraska
In Nebraska, all gambling winnings are considered taxable income and are subject to both federal and state taxes. A 24% flat federal tax applies to lottery, horse racing, and other prizes. They must be reported to the IRS. When residents win real money, they should also pay a state income tax that ranges from 2.46% to 6.84%, depending on their total income. Small winnings from raffles and charitable bingo may be exempt. Casinos and racetracks must report big winnings to both local and federal authorities.
To claim a gambling loss deduction, carefully record your activity, including dates, transactions, and bank receipts. This documentation allows you to deduct losses up to the total amount of your annual winnings.
Jeremy Olson, Technical Content Lead
When Will Gambling Online Be Legal in Nebraska?
In terms of online gambling, Nebraska remains quite conservative, and not many things have changed over the past few years. Here are the main events worth mentioning:
- July 2024. During a special legislative session, LR3CA and accompanying bills were introduced to authorize and tax online sports betting, but didn’t pass.
- January 2025. Senators Stanley Clouse, Eliot Bostar, and Melissa Spivey introduced three different legislative bills to allow online sports betting.
- April 2025. LR20CA passed an initial floor vote but was later withdrawn because it lacked 33 votes. Together with LB421, they will now carry over to the next legislative cycle.
In Nebraska, all forms of real money online gambling remain prohibited, and there haven’t been many efforts to legalize them so far. In our opinion, legislative focus may shift to online sports betting as WarHorse Casinos and Senator Eliot Bostar continue to push the narrative. We will continue to follow the news to provide you with the latest updates.
Land Based Casinos in Nebraska
Nebraska currently hosts nine land based casinos: four tribal casinos, operated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and five so-called racinos, which operate on the basis of race tracks. Tribal casinos primarily focus on bingo and bingo-based electronic games, while racinos cover a wider variety of games and sports betting. Here are three brick and mortar venues that Nebraska players especially like.
Harrah’s Nebraska Racing & Casino
5944 Howard Blvd, Columbus, NE 68601Located in Columbus, this commercial casino spans 17,000 square feet and features around 400 slot machines, 11 table games, and a Caesars Race & Sportsbook area with large viewing screens. Harrah’s Columbus is a part of a bigger racing complex with Nebraska’s longest one-mile race track. In addition to gambling, visitors can enjoy the Brew Brothers restaurant and the Wishbones bar. A connected hotel is under development.
WarHorse Casino Omaha
6303 Q St, Omaha, NE 68117WarHorse is one of Nebraska’s largest casino destinations with around 1,150 slot machines, 18 table games, and a full sportsbook. There are also several horse racing screens for live betting. WarHorse Casino has a smoke-friendly gaming area and several dining venues, including Trifecta Food Hall and Ale Haus. They also plan to open a boutique hotel for those who’d like to stay overnight.
Grand Island Casino Resort
777 E Fonner Park Rd, Grand Island, NE 68801Located at Fonner Park, this casino resort spans 37,000 square feet and features around 650 slots, 20 table games, and a sportsbook available 24/7. There’s also a 162-room hotel, numerous restaurants and bars, a full-service spa center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a show lounge. Grand Island Casino Resort offers a perfect blend of gaming and resort amenities for a comprehensive experience.
Responsible Gambling
When playing online, Nebraskans should always remember that gambling can turn from a positive pastime into a harmful habit. To avoid it, set deposit and session limits, never chase losses, remember the odds, and take breaks. We also recommend using responsible gambling tools widely available at Nebraska online casinos.
If you can’t handle the addiction on your own, research the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling and the Nebraska Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program or call 1-8333-BETOVER (238-6837) to get anonymous and timely assistance.
Conclusion
While local authorities are not rushing to legalize real money casinos, social and sweepstakes platforms are widely available. We especially like Stake.us with thousands of slots and cryptocurrency support, and McLuck with top-rated mobile apps and secure payment methods. Our team will continue to monitor the market, so you can be among the first to learn about new brand launches or the legalization of real money casinos.
