Former Athletes and Groups Oppose Nebraska's Online Sports Betting Expansion

A group of former college athletes are opposing efforts to legalize online and mobile betting in Nebraska. Members of Save Nebraska Sports and the Nebraska Family Alliance spoke at the state Capitol last Thursday, voicing their concerns about the potential negative effects of legalized online betting.

Nebraska Family Alliance Executive Director Nate Grasz said, “They are seeking to make a profit at the expense of Nebraska families, businesses, fans, and student athletes.” Former Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Tom Osborne noted, “Online sports gambling turns an athletic contest into a gambling exercise with someone else’s money riding on the performance of young men and women.”

Former Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Tom Osborne also released a statement expressing his hopes that the ballot measures would be rejected. Nebraska football assistant coach Ron Brown, State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg (R), and State Auditor Mike Foley (D) joined the opposition. The Cornhusker State legalized sports betting in 2021, but only in-person wagering. NCAA President Charlie Baker urged states to ban college prop bets to help curb the issue. Some of those included former Governor Kay Orr (R) and U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R).