The state of Nebraska has hit it big with revenue generated from new casino games in their first full year of operation. Table games, slot machines, and sports betting have brought in just over $89 million in additional gambling revenue for the Cornhusker state.
Pete Graziano, the vice president of marketing at Warhorse, said casino officials are happy with the full-year revenue numbers. Graziano also said that at the WarHorse, they knew the demand for casino games was strong but weren’t sure what to expect.
The WarHorse is expanding its casino floor and will add another 375 slot machines, 10+ table games, and more. The WarHorse also has plans to build an adjacent hotel and finish construction on their seven-eighth-mile horse track. The horse track is scheduled to open later this year, and the hotel will break ground after the casino expansion is complete.
Both the WarHorse and Caesar’s Entertainment opened temporary casinos in 2023. Caesar’s temporary casino brought in $7.4 million in revenue in its six-and-a-half months operation.
The $89 million in casino revenue generated about $17.8 million in taxes, of which 70% (12.5m) went into a state property tax credit fund.
Online Casinos In Nebraska
Since the state has not authorized online casino gambling, players looking for Nebraska online casinos will have to look for sites outside the state. No federal gambling laws prevent players from Nebraska or any other state from accessing online casinos. Instead, it is up to the state to enact laws concerning the matter.
Nebraska players can easily find online casinos that offer the same traditional casino games found at the state’s racetrack casinos. Popular games include online blackjack, slots, video poker, roulette, baccarat, and more.
Casino Gambling In Nebraska – 2024 And Beyond
There is no doubt that with the passage of new domestic casino laws, the gaming landscape in Nebraska will change in the coming years. We already know that the WarHorse and Caesar’s are working on their casino locations, but we expect the other racetracks to add to their locations, too.
Only the established racetracks in Lincoln, Grand Island, Columbus, South Sioux City, and Hastings are allowed to offer casino services now, according to the law passed in 2020. More casinos could possibly make their way into the state in the future, but additional laws or amendments will need to be added to the state’s current gambling laws.