Nebraska Seeing Tax Revenue From Casino Gaming Roll In

Nebraska casinos are beginning to rake in tax dollars. It’s no surprise casinos are setting records considering these are the first gambling properties in the state. 

Regardless, the two casinos, WarHorse Casino Lincoln and Grand Island Casino & Resort collected a record $1,255,266 in total gaming tax revenue for January. The previous record was $856,150, set in December 2022. Grand Island’s temporary casino opened on Dec. 27. 

Considering Nebraska casinos pay a 20% tax, casino revenue was likely around $6.2 million for the month. 

Breaking down tax revenue by property

The WarHorse casino in Lincoln contributed almost double the tax revenue than Grand Island.

January tax breakdown WarHorse Gaming:

• State general fund: $20,226
• Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund: $20,226
• Property tax credit cash fund: $566,328
• City share: $101,130
• County share: $101,130
• Total: $809,041

Fonner Park’s permanent casino, the Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park, is expected to open between 2024 and 2025. Regardless, its temporary location is producing steady numbers.

January tax breakdown Grand Island:

• State general fund: $11,154
• Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund: $11,154
• Property tax credit cash fund: $312,329
• City share: $55,773
• County share: $55,773
• Total: $446,185

Fonner Park is working with Elite Casino Resorts to transform its horse track into a new casino. The temporary location has 280 slot machines and several sports betting kiosks. Eventually, customers can expect the addition of table games like blackjack and craps. 

Once finished, the permanent location will have 850 slot machines, 20 table games, a Nebraska sportsbook and additional amenities.

More Nebraska casinos coming soon

Future casinos in Columbus and Omaha are also on the way. 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

Additionally, Senator Mike Jacobson introduced Legislative Bill 148 which could potentially open the door for more casinos in the state. The bill would allow new possibilities for those who proposed racinos in North Platte, Ogallala and Gering.