Since the first legal sports bet in Nebraska a year ago, casinos in the state have generated nearly $3 million in revenue.
The WarHorse Casino Lincoln took the first bets last June, and the industry has seen growth as interest continues to rise.
Nebraska has four operational casinos in Grand Island, Columbus, Omaha, and Lincoln. The Warhorse locations in Lincoln and Omaha are undergoing expansion, and officials anticipate that interest will rise further once the upgraded permanent facilities open.
Commercial casino consumer spending grew by more than 500% between 2022 and 2023, and although that type of growth will be hard to duplicate in 2024, the numbers are still strong, including a record-setting month in March.
Success Expected to Lead to Expansion
Recent successes have sparked expansion plans at both casinos in Nebraska. The NRGC has given the green light for the Grand Island casino to expand its temporary location at Fonner Park by adding table games. Craps, roulette, and blackjack tables are expected to be added to the existing offerings.
The expansion includes 40 new slot machines, improved casino floor facilities, an expanded dining area, and a dedicated weekend entertainment space. Grand Isle is adding similar games.
Caesar’s Entertainment is building a new casino and sportsbook and a Harrah’s facility will cover 28,000 square feet and include 500 slot machines and 14 table games. It’s set to be completed sometime this summer. The company also intends to install a temporary casino at Ag Park.
Where Does The Money Go?
All reported profits from casinos and sportsbooks are taxed 20% by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission (NRGC). Of that initial tax, 70% is placed into the Property Tax State Relief Fund, lowering rates for homeowners across the state.
Sports Betting Apps Still Being Discussed
Sports betting is a big reason why the casino expansion is happening. And the only logical next step would be to add sports betting apps.
But mobile sports betting on apps like DraftKings and FanDuel is illegal in Nebraska. Still, industry insiders anticipate it becoming a significant part of casino expansion plans in the future.
Representatives from WarHorse and the NRGC told KOLN news that it will depend on when state legislators decide to try and legalize it. The state has yet to pass laws to accept licenses for online sports wagering and to regulate the industry.
So, for the time being, fans in the Cornhusker State can only place bets on the NFL, NBA, and college sports at two in-person retail outlets—the WarHorse Casino Lincoln and Grand Island Casino Resort.
But in a general sense, all of the talk surrounding gambling, casinos, and sports betting is good. It looks like operators will have a lot to look forward to in the coming months.
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