A new group called Save Nebraska Sports launches campaign against online sports betting

A new coalition called Save Nebraska Sports is opposing two online sports betting ballot measures on the November ballot.

At the State Capitol on Thursday, Nebraska Family Alliance Executive Director Nate Grasz said online betting platforms don’t care about Nebraskans.

“They are seeking to make a profit at the expense of Nebraska families, businesses, fans and student athletes,” Grasz said.

The groups leading the ballot measures have said legalizing online sports betting would generate more revenue for property tax relief, but the new coalition argues it won’t be enough to make a noticeable difference.

Fullbacks and returners coach for Nebraska football Ron Brown, State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg and State Auditor Mike Foley also spoke at the Capitol. Foley said the projected amount of tax relief from online sports betting would require Nebraskans to lose more than they would get back.

“As state auditor, I feel an obligation to inform the cities you're being scammed on a false promise of property tax relief,” Foley said, “which is very sensitive to you. False promise of getting tax relief when you're not going to get it.”

Spellerberg echoed that message. He said the estimated $87 million in property tax relief would need to first cause Nebraskans to lose more than $435 million in bets. Spellerberg, the former mayor of Fremont, said once it’s legalized, the messaging promoting online betting will only increase.

“It will follow us onto our phones through apps, advertisements, promotions, notifications, day and night,” Spellerberg said, “and this matters because our kids are going to grow up in this environment.”

Many of the speakers also highlighted recent surveys by the NCAA that show 36% of men’s basketball athletes have experienced social media abuse.

Grasz read a statement on behalf of former Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne, who wasn't in attendance.

“As a coach, I saw firsthand the immense pressure student athletes face,” Grasz read. “Some of the harshest criticism athletes receive is not for losing, but for failing to beat a point spread or reach a certain number of yards, completions or touchdowns. Online sports gambling turns an athletic contest into a gambling exercise with someone else's money riding on the performance of young men and women.”