Sports Betting

NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Nebraska for Football

Nebraska took forever to get sports betting off the ground. Voters approved it in November 2020, the governor signed the law in May 2021, and then... nothing happened for two years. The first retail sportsbook finally opened in June 2023, making Nebraska one of the slowest states to actually launch betting after legalization. But here's the bright spot: Nebraska fully allows Daily Fantasy Sports platforms like PrizePicks, which you can use at 18+ from anywhere in the state.

NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Nebraska for Football

Nebraska took forever to get sports betting off the ground. Voters approved it in November 2020, the governor signed the law in May 2021, and then... nothing happened for two years. The first retail sportsbook finally opened in June 2023, making Nebraska one of the slowest states to actually launch betting after legalization. But here's the bright spot: Nebraska fully allows Daily Fantasy Sports platforms like PrizePicks, which you can use at 18+ from anywhere in the state.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

Is NFL Betting Legal in Nebraska?

Yes, but ONLY in-person at retail casinos. True online betting is prohibited. Nebraska legalized retail-only sports betting when voters approved a constitutional amendment in November 2020, with Governor Pete Ricketts signing LB 561 into law on May 27, 2021, and retail sportsbooks finally launching on June 22, 2023.

Here are the key legal facts you need to know:

  • Regulatory body: Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission
  • Retail sportsbooks: 4+ locations (WarHorse Casino Lincoln, Grand Island Casino, Omaha locations, Harrah's Columbus) as of March 2025
  • Licensed operators: Kambi powers WarHorse; other locations may have different providers
  • Online/mobile betting: STRICTLY PROHIBITED (no true statewide online option)
  • Age requirement: 21 years old or older for retail sports betting
  • Remote registration: Limited (cannot register online; must visit retail location in person)
  • DFS legal: YES, fully legal (PrizePicks, Underdog, Boom Fantasy accepted)
  • Prop betting: PROHIBITED on state college teams (Nebraska Cornhuskers, Creighton)
  • In-state college teams: PROHIBITED (cannot bet on Nebraska teams)
  • Professional sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS allowed (non-college)
  • Tax rate: 20% tax on casino gaming revenue; 5% state withholding on winnings (plus 24% federal)
  • Mobile bills pending: LR3CA, LB13 proposed online betting authorization; discussions postponed to January 2025

Best NFL Betting Options in Nebraska

Nebraska has NO traditional online sportsbooks, forcing bettors to use retail casinos or DFS platforms. Here's what you're working with:

Retail Sportsbooks (ONLY State-Regulated Betting Option)

Here are Nebraska's four retail locations:

  • WarHorse Casino Lincoln (June 2023 Launch): Location: 7055 S 1st St, Lincoln, NE 68512. Hours: Open 24 hours. Operator: Kambi (leading sportsbook provider). Markets: Standard NFL betting (moneylines, spreads, totals, props, parlays). Age: 21+ only.
  • Grand Island Casino: Location: Grand Island, NE (launched October 2023). Format: In-person retail kiosk betting.
  • Omaha Locations (January 2024 Launch): Multiple casinos in Omaha area (Horseman's Park, Atokad South Sioux City). Format: In-person retail sportsbooks.
  • Harrah's Columbus: Location: Columbus, NE. Format: In-person retail sportsbook.

Retail-only model requires physical visits, no online/mobile option (explicitly prohibited), prop betting prohibited on college teams, minimal welcome bonuses (state casino model), slow expansion (4 locations as of March 2025).

Best for: Anyone who lives near Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, or Columbus and doesn't mind driving to a casino.

Daily Fantasy Sports (BEST Alternative for Online Betting)

Nebraska explicitly permits DFS with 18+ age (vs. 21+ for sportsbooks), offering superior online access and NFL prop betting unavailable at retail casinos:

PrizePicks (RECOMMENDED): The number one DFS platform for Nebraska bettors. Welcome Offer: $50 instantly in Lineups when you play your first $5 Lineup (promo code: NEPicks). Age: 18+ (younger than 21+ retail requirement). Format: Simple over/under player prop predictions (2-6 players per lineup). Payouts: Up to 2000x multiplier on Power Play (all picks correct). NFL Props: Extensive quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defense stats.

Underdog Fantasy: Alternative DFS platform with strong NFL focus. Welcome Offer: Play $5, Get $50 in Lineups (promo code BETUSA). Age: 18+ (but 19+ for Nebraska specifically per some sources).

Boom Fantasy: Additional DFS option with signup bonuses. Welcome Offer: $100 First Entry Refund (code BUSA). Age: 18+ (19+ in Nebraska per terms).

Best for: Anyone who wants to bet from home without driving to a casino.

Shurzy tip: Nebraska's retail setup is a joke if you're serious about betting. Four casinos across the entire state? No online option? PrizePicks is your lifeline here. You can use it at 18+, bet from anywhere in Nebraska, and actually get decent NFL props. It's not a traditional sportsbook, but it's way better than driving to Lincoln every Sunday.

Best NFL Betting Bonuses in Nebraska

Nebraska offers virtually zero bonuses at retail casinos. Here's what's available:

  • Retail Casinos: Minimal/No welcome bonuses (state casino model). Limited promotional activity.
  • DFS Platforms (RECOMMENDED): PrizePicks: $50 instantly (code NEPicks). Underdog Fantasy: $50 in lineups (code BETUSA). Boom Fantasy: $100 first entry refund (code BUSA). Combined DFS bonuses: $200+ available across platforms.

Shurzy tip: Stack all three DFS bonuses. PrizePicks, Underdog, and Boom Fantasy each give you something, and combined you're looking at $200+ in value. That's way more than you'll ever see at a Nebraska casino.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Nebraska

Popular NFL Bets You Can Make in Nebraska

Here's what you can wager on depending on which platform you use:

Retail Casinos (Limited): Moneyline (pick winner), Point Spread (margin of victory), Totals (over/under combined score), Parlays (multi-leg wagers), Prop betting (LIMITED, NO college team props).

DFS Platforms (RECOMMENDED for Comprehensive NFL Props): Player props (over/under for all QB, RB, WR, TE, Defense stats), Multiple format (Flex Play: miss picks, still cash; Power Play: all correct), NFL projections (AI-driven, updated daily), Group competitions (compete against other lineups for higher payouts).

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

How to Bet on the NFL in Nebraska: Step-by-Step

Option 1: Retail Casinos

  • Step 1: Find location. Visit WarHorse Casino (Lincoln), Grand Island, Omaha, or Columbus.
  • Step 2: Age verification. Provide ID (must be 21+).
  • Step 3: Register account. Complete in-person registration at casino sportsbook.
  • Step 4: Deposit funds. Use cash or approved methods at casino kiosks.
  • Step 5: Place NFL bet. Select game, market, wager amount at retail terminal.
  • Step 6: Confirm bet. Process transaction.
  • Step 7: Claim winnings. Under $600 claim at cage; over $600 must be claimed via Nebraska Gaming Commission (subject to 5% state + 24% federal withholding).

Option 2: DFS Platforms (RECOMMENDED for Online Access)

  • Step 1: Download app. PrizePicks, Underdog, or Boom Fantasy.
  • Step 2: Register. Verify 18+ age and Nebraska residency.
  • Step 3: Claim bonus. Apply promo code (NEPicks for PrizePicks).
  • Step 4: Deposit. Fund account via approved payment method ($5 minimum).
  • Step 5: Build NFL lineup. Select 2-6 players, predict over/under stats.
  • Step 6: Submit lineup. Lock in your picks.
  • Step 7: Cash out. Instant payout (15 minutes) if picks hit.

Shurzy tip: Nebraska took two years to launch four casinos and still hasn't legalized online betting. That tells you everything about how seriously the state takes sports betting. Your move? Forget the casinos exist unless you're already there for other reasons. Load up PrizePicks, build your NFL lineups from home, and save yourself the drive.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

Responsible Gambling in Nebraska

Nebraska provides responsible gaming resources. DFS platforms offer deposit limits and self-exclusion options.

Get Help: If you or someone you know struggles with problem gambling, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), available 24/7, free, and confidential.

Final Take: Nebraska's Unique NFL Betting Scene

For Nebraska residents, DFS platforms (PrizePicks, Underdog, Boom) are superior to retail casinos because they offer online statewide access, 18+ eligibility, extensive NFL props, and welcome bonuses. Retail casinos should be visited only for occasional social or entertainment purposes, not serious betting.

Shurzy tip: Nebraska's betting scene is broken by design. Four casinos for the whole state, no online option, and bills that keep getting pushed back. If you're waiting for Nebraska to get its act together, you'll be waiting a while. Use PrizePicks now and stop hoping for change that might never come.

Share this post

Want an edge before you even place a bet?

Start with a sportsbook that gives you real value from your first bet.

Related posts

Check out the latest picks from Shurzy AI and our team of experts.