WarHorse Gaming has marked a significant milestone with the opening of its temporary casino in southwest Lincoln, Nebraska. The casino, located at Lincoln Race Course Thoroughbred, welcomed its first guests on a momentous Saturday morning. The opening ceremony was attended by Tribal Elder and Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s Tribal Council member, Ken Mallory, who placed the inaugural bet. While the temporary facility offers a taste of what’s to come, WarHorse Gaming has grand plans for a permanent casino that is expected to open in September 2023. The expansion promises to bring a host of exciting amenities, gaming options, and job opportunities to the city.
WarHorse Casino’s Temporary Opening:
Lance Morgan, CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc, expressed his excitement about the long-awaited opening, noting that it’s just the beginning of the journey. The temporary casino boasts a 9,000 square foot gaming floor with 445 slot machines, sportsbook kiosks, and live racing options. As part of the first phase of development, this initial offering is a modest start, setting the stage for the grand vision that lies ahead.
The Vision for the Permanent Development:
The permanent casino’s development is set to take place in two phases, with the first phase featuring an impressive 9,000 square foot gaming floor, 445 slot machines, sportsbook kiosks, and both simulcast and live racing options. The second phase will elevate the facility to new heights, with plans for a luxurious 200-room hotel, a state-of-the-art event center, and an upscale steakhouse. This ambitious expansion is expected to create a significant economic impact, bringing 900 jobs to the city and enhancing the entertainment and leisure offerings in the region.
Nebraska’s Casino Gambling Approval:
In November 2020, Nebraska voters approved a ballot that allowed casino gambling at racetracks. All six licensed horse tracks, including Lincoln, Omaha, South Sioux City, Columbus, Grand Island, and Hastings, have unveiled plans to introduce casinos. Moreover, six additional racetracks have proposed their establishments in Bellevue, Gering, Kimball, Norfolk, North Platte, and York, signaling a growing trend of casino expansion in the state.
WarHorse Gaming’s Omaha Project:
In addition to the Lincoln venture, WarHorse Gaming is making significant strides with its Omaha project. A groundbreaking ceremony at Horsemen’s Park has marked the commencement of an anticipated 18 months of construction. The future WarHorse Omaha casino will feature over 1,200 slot machines, 20 table games, a sportsbook, and both live and simulcast horse racing. The establishment will offer a wide array of dining options, a sports bar, and a café to cater to diverse preferences.
WarHorse Gaming’s expansion plans are poised to elevate the gaming experience and economic prospects in both Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska. The upcoming permanent casino in Lincoln and the visionary project in Omaha hold immense promise for the region’s gaming industry. As both facilities take shape, residents and visitors can anticipate world-class entertainment, exceptional amenities, and a vibrant gaming scene that adds a new dimension to the state’s entertainment landscape.