Betting on the bats: Husker baseball’s NCAA bid brings fans to Lincoln casino

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Husker backers are heading to the books this weekend.

With Nebraska baseball beginning its NCAA tournament run Friday, Warhorse Casino in Lincoln has seen an uptick in traffic.

Under Nebraska law, you cannot bet on an in-state team when they play in Nebraska.

But after pulling off the win in the Big Ten tournament, the Huskers found themselves playing in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

That means Husker fans have an opportunity to show their support with their wallets.

“The progress really carried over from Nebraska’s success in the Big Ten Tournament,” said Jason Johnston, the Lincoln sportsbook manager. “Obviously, they were underdogs in that tournament.”

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Johnston said on Day 1 of the college baseball regionals, the expectations were already exceeded.

He believes that’s in large part because of the recent success of Nebraska baseball drawing fans to the sportsbook.

“When Nebraska made the NCAA tournament in basketball, I compare it to that,” Johnston said. “There’s been a lot of support for Nebraska baseball in the past 24 to 48 hours. In addition to Creighton as well. They’re playing Kansas. We’re really impressed with our numbers the last couple months for college baseball.”

Before Friday’s regional began, oddsmakers put Nebraska’s chances to escape the Chapel Hill regional at 9 to 1.

But no matter how the Big Red performs, Johnston has faith in the Husker fan base showing out.

“As a native Floridian, I’m always impressed, regardless of how the team is doing and how they perform, the support is always there,” Johnston said. “Everybody loves a winner. The community should be really proud of how they performed, and the opportunity they have ahead of them.”

Because of the College World Series being in Omaha, Nebraskans aren’t allowed to place any wagers on the Huskers to win it all.

So that means this weekend — or maybe next weekend, if they advance — will be the last time you can bet on the Huskers this season.