Betting on horses is an exciting way to add a bit of spice to your day, and for many, it’s an enjoyable hobby. In Nebraska, however, the rules and regulations for horse betting can be confusing, and it’s important to understand them before you start wagering. In this article, we’ll answer the question “Can I bet on horses online in Nebraska?” and outline the rules and regulations of horse betting in the state.
State Legislation
In the United States, there is no federal law that prohibits online horse betting. Instead, the legality of online horse betting is determined by individual state laws. In Nebraska, online horse betting is prohibited. According to the Nebraska Racing Commission, “No wager may be accepted by an internet wagering system or other form of interactive wagering.” This means that online horse betting is not permitted in the state.
Off-Track Betting in Nebraska
While online horse betting is not allowed in Nebraska, off-track betting is permitted. Off-track betting (OTB) is when you place a wager on a horse race at a physical location that is not the actual racetrack. In Nebraska, OTB is allowed at licensed establishments. Establishments with an OTB license must have a minimum of 10 betting terminals and a seating area for patrons.
Parimutuel Betting
In Nebraska, parimutuel betting is allowed. Parimutuel betting is a type of wagering in which all bets of a particular type are placed in a pool, and the winners are determined by the amount of money wagered. All bettors who placed winning wagers receive a share of the pool, minus the house’s take. Parimutuel betting is popular in Nebraska, and the state’s racetracks offer a variety of wagers, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta.
Live Racing
Live horse racing is allowed in Nebraska, and the state has several racetracks, including:
- Ak-Sar-Ben Racetrack in Omaha
- Fonner Park Racetrack in Grand Island
- Crawford Racetrack in Crawford
Live races are held throughout the year, and many of the state’s racetracks also offer simulcast racing, which is when races at other tracks are shown on a big screen and bettors can place wagers on them.
Types of Wagers
There are a variety of wagers you can place on horse races in Nebraska. The most common wager is the win bet, which is when you bet on a horse to finish first. You can also place place and show wagers, which are when you bet on a horse to finish second or third, respectively.
In addition, you can place exotic wagers, such as exactas, trifectas, and superfectas. An exacta is when you bet on two horses to finish first and second, in either order. A trifecta is when you bet on three horses to finish first, second, and third, in order. And a superfecta is when you bet on four horses to finish first, second, third, and fourth, in order.
Taxes
In Nebraska, winnings from horse betting are subject to taxes. According to the Nebraska Revenue Department, “Winnings from pari-mutuel wagers are subject to Nebraska income tax and must be reported on your Nebraska income tax return.” The amount of tax that must be paid depends on the amount of the winnings and your total taxable income.
Responsible Gambling
It’s important to always gamble responsibly. The Nebraska Racing Commission and the Nebraska Gambling Commission both encourage responsible gambling and have developed a Responsible Gambling program to help people who may be struggling with problem gambling. The program includes resources such as counseling, education, and self-help tools.
Conclusion
In Nebraska, online horse betting is not allowed, but off-track betting, parimutuel betting, and live racing are all permitted. There are a variety of wagers available, and winnings from horse betting are subject to taxes. It’s also important to always gamble responsibly.