Nebraska Casinos Contribute $939K To Property Taxes In February

Nebraska is beginning to see the dividends of the legalization of casinos. New data from the state racing commission shows the two Nebraska casinos helped set new contributions records for the state. 

The two casinos, WarHorse Casino Lincoln and Grand Island Casino & Resort, combined for $1,341,686 in total gaming taxes, up from the $1,255,226 generated last month. In terms of dollar amount, each state fund easily surpassed the amount it received in January 2023.

WarHorse Casino Lincoln has a big month

Considering it has been open longer, it’s no surprise the War
Horse casino in Lincoln contributed more tax revenue than Grand Island.

February  tax contribution breakdown for WarHorse Gaming:

• State general fund: $21,454
• Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund: $21,454
• Property tax credit cash fund: $600,725
• City share: $107,272
• County share: $107,272
• Total: $858,178

All contributions from the temporary Grand Island Casino were also up from January. 

With the help from Elite Casino Resorts, the race tracks permanent casino, the Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park, is expected to open between 2024 and 2025. Once finished, the permanent location will have 850 slot machines, 20 table games, a Nebraska sportsbook and additional amenities.

The temporary casino now has 280 slot machines and several sports betting kiosks. 

February tax contribution breakdown for Grand Island:

• State general fund: $12,087
• Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund: $12,087
• Property tax credit cash fund: $338,455
• City share: $60,438
• County share: $60,438
• Total: $483,507

Nebraska awaiting the arrival of additional casinos

In time, the state will welcome casinos in Columbus and Omaha. In 2020, Nebraska voters approved the addition of slots and table games at the state’s six racetracks. 

Other casino locations include:

• Columbus
• South Sioux City
• Hastings
• WarHorse Gaming Omaha

Total contributions for February 2023

• State general fund: $33,542
• Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund: $33,542
• Property tax credit cash fund: $939,180
• City share: $167,710
• County share: $167,710
• Total: $1,341,686

On Mar. 16, Nebraska lawmakers amended and advanced a Nebraska gaming bill. Sponsored by Sen. John Lowe, bill LB 775 would update the definition of licensed racetrack enclosure, which currently is limited to the premises at which licensed live horse racing is conducted.