Laws regulating gambling -- or prohibiting the practice altogether -- vary quite a bit from one state to the next, although the majority of states are okay with bingo and other types of gambling used to raise funds for nonprofit organizations (such as churches). Federal law allows the operation of casino-style gambling operations on Native American reservations (see the National Indian Gaming Commission's Website to learn more) in most states. Currently just a few states, including Hawaii and Utah, prohibit gambling entirely.
Gambling statutes regulate any kind of wagering on a game of chance, whether it's blackjack or dog racing. State lotteries also may be considered a form of gambling, but are governed under separate laws and operated by the state itself.
Nebraska Gambling Laws: An Overview
The state of Nebraska defines gambling as the act of "betting something of value upon the outcome of a future event which is determined by an element of chance." Legal forms of gambling in the state include horse racing and games such as bingo and raffles for nonprofit fund raisers. While Indian casinos are legal, Nebraska prohibits the use of gambling devices (such as slot machines).
Additional provisions of Nebraska gambling laws are listed in the following table.
| Code Section | 28-1101 et seq.; 9-201 et seq.; 2-1201 et seq. |
| Gambling | Betting something of value upon the outcome of a future event which is determined by an element of chance. |
| Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting | Licensed horse racing; pari-mutuel wagering; off-track betting (including simulcasting and telephonic wagering); and exotic wagering such as daily double, exacta, quinella, trifecta, pick six legal. |
| Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting | - |
| Casinos Allowed? | Tribal gaming legal, pursuant to Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Gambling devices prohibited. |
| Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed or Banned | Lawful business transactions; playing amusement devices; conducting prize contests; participating in bingo and raffles in accordance with state statutes legal. Promoting gambling, possessing gambling records or possessing gambling devices is prohibited. |
Note: State laws may change at any time, usually with advanced notice through the enactment of new statutes but sometimes through higher court decisions or other means. You may want to contact a Nebraska gaming attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Nebraska Gambling Laws: Related Resources
