[Live-Stream | 1:30pm CST] Nebraska General Affairs Committee: Hearing on Multiple Gaming-Related Bills
Today at 1:30 CST the Nebraska General Affairs Committee will hold a hearing to discuss numerous gaming-related bills, including ones to authorize mobile sports betting. The hearing can be live-streamed via this link.
Proponents are optimistic that the bill can get passed out of Committee, but there is growing concern that full passage is under threat. Apparently, several anti-gaming groups have organized to push opposition, as well as one prominent land-based operator (Elite Gaming). The special session will likely last another week, and if the OSB bill goes to the full legislature for a vote, it won’t be until early next week.
It is worth noting that Nebraska is the only “unicameral” legislature in the United States. This means they have only one “house” comprised of 49 Senators. So unlike in other states, where bills must pass through multiple chambers (House and Senate) there is only one in Nebraska. Typically, leaders will only put a bill up for vote that has at least 30 supporters, so the effort for sports betting is getting to 30 confirmed “yes” votes so it can get a vote next week.