Skill video games, or terminal-based gaming experiences in which players can wager cash and single credits throughout several turns of play in an attempt to secure a high score, are legal in Nebraska.
The state of Nebraska experienced a meteoric rise in the number of skill gaming machines in 2023. With countless grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and chain retail establishments adding these popular machines to their storefronts, many players believe that skill games are a new form of gambling that has been legalized by the state government.
This, however, is a common misconception. In Nebraska, skill games are not considered to be a form of gambling. A 2019 ruling by the state legislature determined that playing these games could not be considered gambling as the game outcomes were subject to player skill rather than chance. After the ruling, thousands of businesses rushed to install skill gaming terminals, and for good reason – each machine represents a promising revenue generation opportunity.
That said, Nebraskans can also find ways to legally gamble in the Cornhusker state as well.
Nebraska’s Varied Approach to Gambling
As the legalization of different forms of gaming has increased on a national level, consumer interest has simultaneously spiked.
Gambling laws in the United States vary on a state-by-state basis. What’s legal and readily available in one state may be entirely illegal and inaccessible in another.
States such as Utah have banned all forms of in-person and online gambling, whereas states like Nevada and Louisiana have developed reputations for having some of the most lenient gambling laws in the country.
Additionally, a substantial number of states do not have such a black-and-white stance on the matter. Some have legalized certain forms of gambling while simultaneously placing restrictions or outright banning other forms altogether.
A prime example of a state taking this varied approach to its gambling legislation is Nebraska, which permits specific forms of gambling while also placing strict bans on others.
Legalized Forms of Gambling in Nebraska
The Nebraska Liquor Control Commission defines gambling as any activity that includes elements of consideration, chance, and reward. An individual must put up something of value, such as money or property, and place a wager on the outcome of an event that is determined by chance, with the potential to win something of value.
Tournaments of skill-based games such as darts and pool are also legal. Venues can charge an entry fee to participants and non-participants, and prizes may be awarded to winners. Non-participants, however, are not permitted to wager on these types of events.
Nebraska has also legalized Bingo games conducted by nonprofit associations, as well as regulated raffles, lotteries, and gift enterprises for charitable and community betterment purposes. Raffles and lottery-based games such as Pull Tabs/Pickle Cards, Punch Boards, Keno, and Power Ball are only legal in locations licensed by the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission.
Sports betting, when conducted by an authorized gaming operator or its sports wagering service provider, is legal as well. In-person sports betting is the only legal form of sports betting in Nebraska at this time. Horse racing, when conducted on licensed race track enclosures, is another event for which wagers can be placed.
Illegal Forms of Gambling in Nebraska
While there are many ways to gamble within the means of Nebraska law, the state has not legalized every form of gambling.
According to the American Gaming Association, unauthorized wagering or betting on football or other sporting events is strictly prohibited in Nebraska, as are football or baseball pools—regardless of the dollar amount. Games or schemes that are determined by chance requiring patrons to pay an entry fee are also illegal. Online or mobile sports betting platforms are also currently prohibited.
Sports betting participants may not place bets on athletes under the age of 18, nor are they permitted to place a wager on any collegiate event in which a Nebraska collegiate team or person is competing. Authorized operators are strictly prohibited from accepting wagers on the outcomes of any of the aforementioned instances.
Tournaments for games or contests in which the outcomes are determined by chance, and not skill, are forbidden from charging entry fees or awarding prizes to winners. This rule applies to casino games as well as those such as Texas Hold’ Em poker, which combine elements of both skill and chance.
Any gaming terminal that allows a player to wager multiple credits on a single game is illegal. Since the Nebraska Supreme Court determined that credits or points are something of value, and terminals would allow players to wager more than one credit per turn, these types of games are strictly prohibited.
Casino nights are also banned in Nebraska. These are events in which nonauthorized operators attempt to host casino games such as blackjack, dice, roulette, or poker. These operators are forbidden from possessing or using gambling devices that are essential to host said activities, such as roulette wheels and slot machines. This, in turn, also makes it illegal for participants to pay to play for the chance of winning something of value in these types of games.
How INAMAX Is Making Its Mark in Nebraska
INAMAX has proudly partnered with Nebraksa-based operators to help them navigate the ever-changing realm of route gaming. Our team of experts leverages 200 years of collective industry knowledge to provide customized strategies designed to enhance profitability.
Our data-driven insights enable our partners to offer a selection of games that have been expertly optimized for their target audience.
Interested in maximizing revenue generation through a comprehensive skill gaming strategy? Call us at 770-449-0400 ext. 700 or fill out our contact form to learn more.