Nebraska Casinos Up 47.8% Y-o-Y in August, State Welcomes New Casino

Nebraska’s five casinos generated $23.6 million in revenue last month, up 47.8% compared to the previous year’s figure of $16 million. 

It’s safe to say that last month’s revenue was boosted by a new addition to the state. Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack opened its doors to guests on August 19, with a lavish ceremony that included Governor Jim Pillen leading a first-race Post Parade at the venue’s racetrack. The casino is located in Ogallala and includes over 300 slot machines, table games, and a sports betting lounge. 

In addition to this, Governor Pillen was able to direct $20 million to be distributed among taxpayers after it was found that the state casinos had generated more revenue than was previously expected after lawmakers passed Nebraska’s two-year budget back in May. 

“Whenever possible, we must get bureaucracy out of the way and ensure that Nebraskans receive the full amount of property tax relief possible,” Pillen said in a Tuesday statement announcing his executive order. “This is a common-sense, good government measure that will help Nebraska families across the state.”

Positives All Around for Nebraska Casinos

The figures, published by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, show that of the total revenue, slots generated $19.9 million, up 36.9% year-on-year from $14.5 million. Table games increased 84% year-on-year, rising from $1.1 million to $2.1 million. Electronic table games were also up 397.8% year-on-year, while retail sports betting increased from $175,009 to $876,969. 

Each casino, not including Lake Mac, reported year-on-year revenue increases, whereas the new addition of Lake Mac added an extra $527,419 to the overall revenue. WarHorse Casino Omaha was the state’s biggest generator, recording $8.9 million in revenue, up 28.9% year-on-year. 

Other double-digit increases came from WarHorse Casino Lincoln, which generated the second-highest revenue last month, spurred on by the addition of table games, and Grand Island Casino, which reported the highest year-on-year revenue increase. Both reported revenue increases of 53.2% and 102.2%, respectively. 

Harrah’s Columbus had the lowest revenue increase last month, but still reported solid gains. Revenue at the casino increased from $2.1 million to $2.2 million, up 7.9% year-on-year. Lake Mac Casino only had 12 days of operation in August, opening its doors on August 19, but reported a sum of $527,419 in revenue for the last two weeks of August. 

Lake Mac Casino Welcomes Guests in August

Nebraska’s latest casino, Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack, is already a favorite among residents. Its opening ceremony attracted nearly 1,000 people and a surprise visit from the state’s governor. 

The $31 million facility brings with it a combination of slot machines, electronic table games, and a Draft Day sports lounge, which includes sports betting services, simulcast racing, and food services. 

“It’s really important that we never, ever take each other for granted,” Pillen told the crowd. “I want to support the economic development and incredible tourism this casino brings, and give a shoutout to the Kehl family for their incredible investment here in Ogallala.”

The Kehl family, who own Elite Casino Resorts, brings their investment in Nebraska up to $250 million. Elite Casinos owns both Grand Island Casino and Lake Mac, both of which have between 600 employees. 

“We are incredibly proud to open our doors with the Governor’s support and leadership,” said Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts. “His presence underscores the importance of this project to the state, and we were thrilled to celebrate the beginning of what will be a world-class entertainment destination at Lake Mac Casino.”