‘History in the making’: Nebraska’s first legal sports bets placed at Lincoln casino

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The day many Nebraskans have long been waiting for has finally arrived.

The state’s first legal sports betting operation launched in Lincoln on Thursday.

“It’s a monumental step,” said David Anderson, the vice president of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. “It’s history in the making, actually.”

Anderson himself made Nebraska history as he stepped up to the counter and placed the first legal sports bet in the state.

“I bet $220 on Nebraska against Minnesota, and I got 8½ points,” he said. “Hopefully, I come back in here the day after the game, and I pick up my $400.”

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You can now place your wagers at the WarHorse Casino, which is the only place authorized for sports betting.

There are 10 kiosks available for customers to bet on a wide variety of sports.

For now, you’re not allowed to bet on home games for the Huskers or other in-state teams.

And online betting is still illegal; state law requires that it be done in person.

But Lance Morgan, the CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., said he’s hoping that both of those things change in the future.

“We project that there will be sports betting revenue in the state, when it’s all said and done, of a few hundred million a year,” he said. “That will probably grow by eight or nine times if it goes mobile.”

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The Lincoln casino has generated millions of dollars for the state since opening last year.

In just 10 weeks of operation, it racked up almost $2 million in tax revenue.

Twenty-five percent of that money goes to the City of Lincoln and Lancaster County, while 70% goes to the Nebraska Property Tax Relief Fund.

In reflecting on the day, Anderson said it’s nice to have finally jumped this hurdle.

“It’s just a great day for Nebraska,” he said. “I’m excited for the future.”