Nebraska Bishops Urge ‘Against’ Vote on Sports Gambling Initiatives 440 and 441

With early voting underway and Nebraskans heading to the polls on November 3, the state’s three Catholic bishops have weighed in on a pair of ballot initiatives seeking to amend the state constitution to expand sports gambling.

On Tuesday, Archbishop Michael G. McGovern, Bishop James D. Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln and Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt of the Diocese of Grand Island issued a joint statement against online sports gambling, urging all Nebraskans to vote against Initiatives 440 and 441.

“We urge Nebraskans, especially Catholics, to vote ‘Against’ Initiatives 440 and 441,” the bishops said. “These measures would expand predatory online sports gambling in our state. False promises of small property tax relief do not outweigh the serious social problems these initiatives would cause Nebraskans.”

“Online sports gambling often targets people who are vulnerable to addiction, especially young men and teenagers. This can lead to family problems, debt, bankruptcy, homelessness, and mental health issues. Online sports gambling isn’t a harmless wager among friends. It turns every part of a game – play call, free throw, serve, or a pitch – into a bet where the house always wins, which harms sports and student-athletes. Let’s not turn every phone into a casino. Please vote ‘Against’ Initiatives 440 and 441.”

To learn more on these initiatives, visit this informational page by the Nebraska Catholic Conference, which advocates for the three bishops and their flocks before the Nebraska Legislature, the Nebraska delegation in Congress and state agencies.