Will Nebraska soon join the list of states with legal online gambling?

The Nebraska Poker Bill scheduled for a February 10th hearing could soon shift from possibility to reality. The conservative Midwestern state doesn't exactly have a lot of brick-and-mortar gambling establishments, and the legalization of online poker could put them a step in the direction of progress. In total, you have four casinos across the state, and all of them situate themselves in the northeastern part of the state on tribal lands.

The Push for Games of Skill

Nebraska State Senator Justin Wayne won the election in 2016. As such, he's pushing for the legalization of online games of skill like poker. He introduced the LB.990 to the General Affairs Committee in hopes of swinging the momentum in a new direction. Wayne's plans extended beyond this bill, and he drew up three other bills to expand gambling legislation within the state.

One bill would legalize online casinos and sports betting. A second bill redefined the lottery with the purpose of including it under the sports betting definition. Finally, you have the most recent bill he wrote, which will legalize games of skill like poker, fantasy sports and sports betting for the internet realm.

Historically Bad Results

Gambling bills in the Cornhusker State have traditionally done poorly. They don't do well. State Senator Wayne admits to the problems with gambling expansion bills, but he still wants to push for changes to legislation. His brave efforts in an underdog cause where he might get ruthlessly shot down are admirable.

The Games of Skill Act

Through the Games of Skill Act, state lawmakers will revise the state statutes and allow for online gambling such as poker and fantasy sports. While poker does enjoy the blessings of Lady Luck, you can stride away with a table full of poker chips through skill too. Many poker professionals will attest to the skill required to arrive at poker greatness.

Under the new law, operators will register with the state through filling out an application. The registration fee costs $10,000. Following up with the fees after, operators will present six percent of their gross revenue over a 12-month period. Nebraska Senator Justin Wayne wants to explore new options to generate state revenue. Having seen the success in other states like New Jersey and Delaware, he wants in. In New Jersey, the state raked in $60.3 million dollars, which should convey reason enough to legalize it in Nebraska.