WarHorse Casino Omaha, a permanent casino at Horsemen’s Park, is on track to open its doors this August, as it awaits regulatory sign offs by the NRGC (the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission). Officials from WarHorse Gaming, which is a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk, Inc., the business branch of the Winnebago Tribe, have announced that the casino is scheduled for a grand opening on August 6.

The $250 million WarHorse Omaha will feature over 20 table games, 800 slots, a sportsbook, and enhanced simulcast parimutuel wagering. The premier facility, located at 6303 Q Street, will also include a bar, restaurant, and a parking garage. But there are also future expansion plans for the casino, which involve additional floor space exclusively for gaming, a gaming patio located outdoors (where smoking will be permitted), and, last but definitely not least, a boutique hotel with 200 rooms.

The establishment of WarHorse Omaha follows the 2020 statewide ballot referendum that Nebraskans passed which authorized the state’s racetracks to run table games, slot machines, and sportsbooks. With this permanent casino establishment, the legislation also applied the Clean Indoor Act, which doesn’t allow tobacco smoking indoors in most businesses and public places and businesses, including casino venues.

WarHorse’s two casino projects in the state

After the 2020 vote, which was a resounding success, the NHBPA (Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association) joined with WarHorse Gaming to transform its racetracks into - you guessed it - casinos. Because of this, besides Horsemen’s Park, WarHorse is also developing a casino at the Lincoln Race Course.

The WarHorse Casino in Lincoln is another significant project, mirroring the investment and scale of the Omaha facility. Set to open this fall, the Lincoln casino will feature 430 slots, parimutuel wagering, and sports betting. But it differs slightly from its Omaha counterpart because the casino property in Lincoln will debut with a hotel featuring 220 rooms, along with a special center dedicated to events. Additionally, it will be home to a gourmet steakhouse.

It’s worth noting that another stipulation of the 2020 referendum mandates that gaming facilities be located next to an active racetrack. To comply, Horsemen’s Park has set September 29 as its single day of live racing in 2024. The Lincoln Race Course, rebranded to Legacy Downs at WarHorse Casino Lincoln, will conduct four racing days in total on September 20-28.

The NHBPA also oversees the dormant Atokad Downs (located in South Sioux City). Plans are in motion to redevelop that track into a casino, along with live racing, in the coming years. Post-construction, the NHBPA aims to increase live racing dates, targeting 15 race days at Legacy Downs and five at Horsemen’s Park per year.

The increase of gaming in the state of Nebraska

Since September 24, 2022, WarHorse has operated a temporary gaming center in Lincoln, located within the grandstand of Legacy Downs, featuring 400 slots and the Winner’s Circle Grill. Last year, WarHorse Lincoln generated a GGR (gross gaming revenue) of $51.5 million, outperforming the state’s three interim casinos in 2023. Meanwhile, Grand Island’s temporary facility followed with $30 million in GGR, while Harrah’s Columbus’ temporary setup at Ag Park, which opened a year ago this month, earned $7 million through the year of 2023.

WarHorse Omaha also launched a temporary sportsbook in November last year, generating $224,000 in GGR throughout December. And last month, Caesars Entertainment marked a milestone in Nebraska by opening the state’s first permanent casino. Harrah’s Columbus Racing & Casino (an investment of $100 million), opened on May 17 along with a Caesars Race & Sportsbook, 11 live dealer games, and 400 slot machines. In addition, two adjacent Marriott hotels are expected to open soon, offering accommodations for overnight guests.

As the August opening approaches, WarHorse Casino Omaha is poised to become a major player in Nebraska’s blossoming gaming industry, promising an array of exciting entertainment and beautiful amenities for NE residents and visitors alike.