WarHorse Casino Opens in Omaha Amid Online Gambling Debate

Omaha, NE – The WarHorse Casino officially opened its doors on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in Nebraska’s gaming landscape and heralding potential property tax relief for residents. The highly anticipated casino, located at 63rd and Q streets, drew nearly 200 attendees for the opening ceremony, underscoring the public's keen interest in the new establishment.

Key figures in Nebraska’s gaming industry led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Lance Morgan, CEO of WarHorse Gaming, Garald Wollesen, President of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (NHBPA), and Denny Lee, Chairman of the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission (NRGC). Aaron LaPointe, CEO of Ho-Chunk Capital and a tribe member, alongside Wollesen, made the first ceremonial bets on the Mighty Cash Ultra 88 slot machine, symbolizing the casino’s launch.

LaPointe expressed pride in his involvement, emphasizing that the casino's revenue would benefit Nebraskans, a sentiment echoing the casino's promise of economic growth and tax relief for the state.

 

A Decades-Long Partnership Comes to Fruition

The WarHorse Casino is the result of a long-standing partnership between the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and Ho-Chunk Inc., its economic development arm. The casino’s opening follows four years after Nebraska voters approved the expansion of casino gambling. Proponents of the initiative believe WarHorse could generate millions annually through the state’s gaming tax, significantly contributing to local economies.

The venue, adjacent to Horsemen’s Park racetrack, spans 58,000 square feet and offers 800 slot machines, 19 live table games, 100 simulcast screens, and a sportsbook. It is Nebraska’s second WarHorse casino, following the establishment in Harrah’s Columbus, and is the state’s fourth retail sportsbook.

According to Morgan, Omaha and Douglas County could each see around $6 million annually from the state’s gaming tax. Nebraska imposes a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue from games of chance at licensed racetrack locations. The tax revenue is allocated as follows: 70% to the state’s Property Tax Credit Cash Fund, 25% to the county where the racetrack is located, and 5% split between the state’s general fund and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund.

 

Legislative Session Considers Online Gambling

As the WarHorse Casino opened, Nebraska legislators were in a special session deliberating the inclusion of online sports betting in the state's property tax relief efforts. On July 31, the General Affairs Committee discussed whether online sports betting should be part of the broader discussion on property tax relief. Governor Jim Pillen has indicated that he may call a special session to address the state’s property tax crisis if the issue is not resolved.

Senator Eliot Bostar has introduced two bills (LB13 and LR3CA) aimed at establishing a framework for online sports betting on professional, college, and amateur sports, pending voter approval. While some residents favor the convenience of crossing state lines for betting, supporters argue that legalizing online sports betting in Nebraska could keep money within the state and further bolster property tax relief.

Despite the casino's potential benefits, it faces opposition from anti-gambling groups and community leaders concerned about its social impact. “Gambling with the Good Life,” a long-standing anti-gambling group, argues that casino gambling will not provide genuine tax relief for Nebraskans and warns of the possible negative consequences.

Candace Gregory, CEO of Omaha’s Open Door Mission, voiced concerns about the casino's impact on the community, particularly on vulnerable populations. Gregory noted that the shelter, which is located near Prairie Flower Casino in Iowa, has already felt the effects of gambling, and she fears that WarHorse Omaha will exacerbate these issues.

 

“Money from the Omaha casino will stay in the state and help Nebraskans.”

 

Future Developments

WarHorse Omaha is set to expand further, with a second phase of construction scheduled to begin in spring 2025. This expansion will add over 400 gaming positions, a designated smoking area, and additional dining options, further solidifying the casino’s presence in Omaha’s entertainment landscape.

As the WarHorse Casino embarks on its journey, it remains a focal point in Nebraska's ongoing debate over gambling, reflecting the broader tensions between economic development and social responsibility.