WarHorse Gaming, a subsidiary of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s economic development entity Ho-Chunk, is gearing up to introduce sports betting at its Omaha-based casino. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission has granted approval for this addition, with sports wagers expected to commence shortly after the inspection of the facility and compliance testing of the sportsbook’s wagering kiosks, tentatively starting on November 1.
Temporary Venue for Sports Betting
The casino’s sports betting operations will temporarily set up shop at a designated facility within the racetrack infield, where simulcast horse race betting was previously offered. The development of the primary gaming destination, WarHorse Casino Omaha, is well underway at Horsemen’s Park, situated at 63rd and Q streets. The project initially aimed for an August 2023 opening but is now scheduled for completion in June or July 2024.
The Vision for WarHorse Casino Omaha
WarHorse Casino Omaha, a $500 million venture, is set to feature over 1,200 slot machines and 20 table games. This ambitious project encompasses not only renovations to the existing complex but also the construction of approximately 67,000 square feet of additional space.
Sports Betting in Nebraska
The introduction of sports betting at WarHorse Casino Omaha marks another milestone in Nebraska’s gaming landscape. Grand Island’s temporary casino, located at the Fonner Park racetrack, opened its sportsbook in August, becoming the second facility in the state to offer sports wagering. Elite Sportsbook debuted its services on August 23, while WarHorse Casino Lincoln initiated sports betting operations on June 22.
Upcoming Gaming Developments
Several exciting gaming projects are in the pipeline for Nebraska. Grand Island’s permanent casino venue, featuring a 37,000-square-foot casino floor with 650 slot machines and 20 table games, is expected to open its doors in 2025. In southwest Lincoln, the permanent WarHorse Casino is projected to open in September 2023, offering a 9,000-square-foot gaming floor, 445 slot machines, sportsbook kiosks, and simulcast and live racing. Additionally, Caesars Entertainment’s permanent location is set to welcome visitors in the spring of 2024.
The introduction of sports betting at WarHorse Casino Omaha and the ongoing development of other gaming venues signal a promising future for gaming enthusiasts in Nebraska.