For Immediate Release:
October 27, 2027
Media Release:
Nebraska Catholic Bishops Urge Nebraskans to Vote "Against" Initiatives 440 & 441
Lincoln, Nebraska - As Election Day draws nearer, Nebraska's Catholic Bishops - Archbishop Michael G. McGovern, Bishop James D. Conley, and Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt - issued the following 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. 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."
More information about the Nebraska Catholic Conference's opposition to Initiatives 440 and 441 can be found here.
