The permanent WarHorse Casino location in Omaha is now open. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission (NRGC) unanimously approved it last month. The new WarHorse will feature a sportsbook, simulcast horse racing, and operate 24 hours a day.
“In some ways, I’ve been working on this for about 30 years,” WarHorse Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lance Morgan told the Omaha World-Herald. Morgan is also CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., the business arm of the Winnebago Tribe. “This is a pretty seminal moment for the gaming industry in Nebraska, for sure, and for the Winnebago Tribe,” he said. “It’s almost hard to believe. It’s a little surreal. But I can’t wait to (actually) see it open. And then, like anything else, we’ll just get to the next phase and the next phase and keep it growing,” he added.
The casino, alongside the Horsemen’s Park Thoroughbred track, will feature 925 gaming positions, table games, and a Sweetwater Cafe upon opening.
A second phase, set to launch next spring, will introduce over 400 additional gaming positions, a smoking area, and more dining options. WarHorse currently operates a sportsbook and simulcast horse racing in a temporary facility at the Omaha site. This will be relocated to the new casino.
Horse Racing Will Have to Wait
Although the casino will open soon, horse racing will not begin in earnest for another year. The track at Horsemen’s Park will hold only one race day this year, on September 29th, due to ongoing construction.
WarHorse will be Nebraska’s second permanent racino. Harrah’s Columbus opened in May, and the WarHorse Casino in Lincoln is expected to open on November 1st. A $100 million casino at Grand Island Casino Resort is set to open in early 2025.
Proponents of expanded gambling in Nebraska have argued that the state is losing potential revenue to casinos across the Missouri River in Council Bluffs, such as Ameristar, Harrah’s, and Horseshoe Council Bluffs.
Not The Winnebago Tribe’s First Casino
WarHorse is not the Winnebago Tribe’s first foray into the casino industry. The tribe has successfully launched three other tribal casinos: Iron Horse Casino in Emerson, Nebraska; Native Star Casino in Winnebago, Nebraska; and WinnaVegas Casino & Resort in Sloan, Iowa. In 1994, the tribe founded Ho-Chunk, Inc., named after the ancestral term “Hochungra,” meaning “The People, Incorporated.” Ho-Chunk’s mission is to generate employment and advance the tribe’s economic self-sufficiency.
Ho-Chunk, Inc. extends its impact beyond business, offering scholarships, internships, and academic development programs. Additionally, the company provides a Housing Down Payment Assistance Program and makes significant charitable contributions to the broader Winnebago community.
WarHorse Casino will be taxed at 20% on its gross gaming revenue (GGR). Of these proceeds, 70% will be allocated to the state’s Property Tax Credit Cash Fund. 25% will benefit the county hosting the racetrack. Tthe remaining 5% will be divided between the state’s general fund and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund.
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