Efforts to expand Nebraska sports betting beyond casino floors are moving into the signature‑gathering phase, as backers prepare for a citizen‑initiated ballot measure in 2026. With legislative proposals stalled by procedural hurdles, casino interests and reform advocates are turning to public votes to authorize online wagering statewide. Under state law, the initiative must collect certified signatures from at least 10 percent of registered voters — currently about 125,786 names — to place a constitutional amendment before voters. Nebraska now permits sports wagers only in person at licensed casino locations, taxed at 20 percent. Earlier this year, State Senator Eliot Bostar introduced LR20CA,…