Nebraska Casino Revenue Up 22.8% Year-on-Year in September, WarHorse Casinos Set to Expand

Nebraska’s regulated casino sector generated nearly $22 million during September, showing a year-on-year increase of 22.8% from 2024. 

The figures released by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission showed that the five casino venues in the state produced $21.9 million in revenue in September 2025, up from $17.9 million in September 2024. 

Revenue was driven largely by slot gaming, which accounted for $18.9 million of the total, while table games generated $1.8 million, electronic table games recorded $624,576, and sports betting made the smallest contribution at $577,755. 

There are concerns within Nebraska, however, that this casino revenue boost may have come at the expense of the key lottery ticket segment. New figures show lottery ticket sales in the state dropped by over $36 million in the fiscal year that ended in July, from $221.5 million to $185.3 million

In a press release that accompanied the lottery figures publication, State Auditor Mike Foley said that the decline may have been linked to the availability of other gambling options. 

“If I were a betting man, I’d lay odds that the increasing popularity of such online activities, some of which occur outside of the state of Nebraska’s authority, will result in ever more gambling dollars being siphoned away from the lottery and its intended beneficiary funds.”

Proceeds from the Nebraska Lottery fund various programs and organizations throughout the state, including the Compulsive Gambler’s Assistance Fund.

Lake Mac Growth Boosts September Numbers

The addition of a new venue partly powered the year-on-year revenue growth in the casino sector. Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack opened in August and concluded its first full month of business in September, adding $1.1 million in revenue. 

WarHorse Casino, Omaha, was the most impressive performer in September, however, increasing revenue to $8.1 million, from $6.2 million a year ago, and overtaking WarHorse Gaming, Lincoln, which showed a small year-on-year loss of 0.3%. 

Grand Island Casino & Resort recorded the most significant percentage increase, with revenue leaping from $3.2 million to $4.4 million, a rise of 38.8%. Harrah's, Columbus, the second smallest revenue generator, saw a decline of 2.7% in revenue to $2.0 million. 

WarHorse Plans Expansion in Lincoln and South Sioux City

Meanwhile, WarHorse Gaming, which accounts for around 65% of Nebraska casino revenue based on September’s figures, is set to expand its dominance. 

The company, a subsidiary of the Winnebago Tribe’s Ho-Chunk Incorporated, recently refinanced $300 million in startup loans, allowing it to self-fund two new projects. 

The first is a $70 million expansion of its Lincoln Casino, which will increase by between 70,000 and 80,000 square feet, and the second is a proposed new facility in South Sioux City, which could be open next year. 

“I think that's what people expect when they go to a casino. It'll have the elements of much more of a big Vegas facility where you can have a lot more fun and entertainment,” said CEO Lance Morgan regarding the renovations. 

The new venue would mean the company owns half of all casino venues in the state, but while it will be good news for WarHorse, lottery officials will be concerned about a further hit to ticket sales.