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Omaha’s casino market is poised for growth with WarHorse Gaming’s announcement of a new casino, slated to begin construction in June this year. The project is expected to be completed by June or July of the following year, bringing new opportunities for entertainment and revenue to the region.
With WarHorse Gaming’s plans for a new casino in Omaha and expansion efforts in Lincoln, the Omaha casino market is set for a major transformation. The new casino, as well as the revitalization of horse racing, will bring significant entertainment and revenue opportunities to the region and the state.
WarHorse Gaming, a collaboration between Nebraska Horsemen and Ho-Chunk Inc., is responsible for the successful WarHorse casinos in Omaha and Lincoln. Lynne McNally, CEO of Nebraska Horsemen, expressed gratitude for the patience of Omaha citizens as they await the new casino’s opening. With the Lincoln WarHorse casino already in operation since September last year, Omaha’s casino promises to be an upgraded version, offering twice the number of gaming positions upon its completion in 2024.
McNally describes the forthcoming Omaha casino as “fantastic,” with amenities that include table games, restaurant options, sports betting, and simulcasting. The addition of horse racing in Omaha will also contribute to the revitalization of the industry in Nebraska.
In July, Lincoln Casino will commence its second phase of development, which will see the facility’s size doubled and the addition of 500 parking stalls. The expanded casino will house an additional 870 slot machines, six to ten table games, and a larger dining area for guests.
The approval for the casino’s construction in November last year faced delays due to unforeseen circumstances, requiring the revision of rules and regulations for the $500 million project. McNally acknowledged the challenges in navigating economic downturns and rising interest rates but expressed satisfaction with the progress made.
As part of the project’s first steps, the sewer and water systems, as well as the roads in the area, will be revised and updated. The foundation for a five-story parking garage will also be laid. Once gambling becomes fully legal in Omaha in approximately 13 to 14 months, McNally anticipates that gamblers will no longer need to travel to Council Bluffs, leading to increased tax revenue for Omaha and the state.
Since their opening in September, the Lincoln and Grand Island casinos have contributed approximately $6.9 million in tax revenue to the state. This figure underscores the potential for additional revenue once the Omaha casino is operational.