Nebraskans rejected a ballot measure that would have opened the door to online sports wagering in the state.
The measure failed, 55% to 45%, signaling heartland skepticism about the sports gambling boom sweeping the country.
Measure 440 would have allowed people to wager on sports through internet-based platforms offered by authorized gaming operators. Nebraska would have joined over 30 states that have legalized online sports gambling.
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Proponents said gambling revenue would go toward property tax relief.
Critics said the relief would have been nominal and personal gambling losses would lead to reduced consumer credit scores, more consumer bankruptcies and higher auto loan delinquency rates.
The Nebraska Catholic Conference had urged voters to reject the measure, saying Nebraskans would “pay the costs of addiction, family breakdown, and threats to athletes.”
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