From Amendment to First Ticket
In November 1992, Nebraska voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing a state lottery. The Nebraska Lottery began selling tickets on September 11, 1993, making it one of the later Great Plains states to establish a lottery. The initial offerings were instant scratch-off games, with draw games following shortly after.
Revenue and Mission
Nebraska's lottery revenue model is unique: proceeds are split among three beneficiaries — education, the environment, and the Nebraska State Fair. This three-way split is distinctive among US lotteries. Since 1993, the Nebraska Lottery has returned over $1 billion to the state through these beneficiary funds. The state levies a 5% tax on lottery winnings.
Key Milestones
- 1992: Voters approve constitutional amendment authorizing the Nebraska Lottery
- 1993: Nebraska Lottery begins operations; first tickets sold September 11
- 1993: Pick 3 and Pick 5 launch as the first draw games
- 1994: Nebraska joins Powerball
- 2002: 2by2 multi-state game launches in Nebraska
- 2010: Mega Millions becomes available through cross-selling agreement
- 2017: Lotto America relaunches as a multi-state game with Nebraska participation
- 2025: Pick 4 launches in September, completing the digit game lineup
- 2026: Millionaire For Life replaces Lucky for Life in February
Pick 5: Nebraska's Signature Game
Pick 5 (5/38) has been the Nebraska Lottery's flagship in-state game since 1993. With jackpot odds of roughly 1 in 501,942 — far more favorable than multi-state games — Pick 5 produces regular winners across the state. The rolling jackpot structure has delivered numerous five- and six-figure prizes to Nebraska players over three decades.
Impact and Legacy
The Nebraska Lottery has grown from simple scratch-off offerings to a full portfolio of eight draw games, instant games, and online play. Its unique three-way revenue allocation to education, the environment, and the state fair sets it apart from most state lotteries. For a full breakdown of every current game, see our NE Lottery Games Guide, or visit the Nebraska lottery dashboard for live results and analysis.
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