On November 3, Nebraska voters overwhelmingly approved casino gambling at the state’s racetracks and Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, was ready. It formed WarHorse Gaming LLC in partnership with the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, which will develop three WarHorse brand casinos at Horsemen’s Park in Omaha, Lincoln Race Course and Atokad in South Sioux City, which Ho-Chunk purchased in 2013. The NHBPA will operate the venues.
Warhorse Casino at Horsemen’s Park is projected to offer 1,500 gaming positions, and will generate $30 million in annual tax revenue and create 1,000 new jobs, said Marketing Director Drew Niehaus. “This is something that we’ve been working on for literally decades if you’ve talked with some of the folks that have been involved with the process since day one,” he said.
WarHorse Gaming Executive Director Brian Chamberlain commented, “This is an exciting time for Nebraskans. Our team is working tirelessly to bring first-class gaming and entertainment to the state. Though there is still a great deal of work to be done, we’re excited for the chance to bring a new industry to the state, and with it, an entirely new source of tax revenue and career opportunities.”
According to Ho-Chunk, casino gaming “in some form” could be available in the second half of 2021. Grand openings for the three racinos are expected to occur in 2022.
Fonner Park in Grand Island also is expected to become a racino. Executive Director Chris Kotulak said track officials currently are interviewing potential casino partners, including Ho-Chunk. A statement on Fonner Park’s Twitter account read, “Ho Chunk Inc. released digital design video of stunning casino facilities planned for Omaha and Lincoln. Fonner Park has yet to choose a casino operator, but intends to have a beautiful, clean, safe, new casino when the time is right. Promoting horses, ag & community is priority.”
Other racetracks eligible for gaming licenses include Columbus Races in Columbus and Fair Play Park in Hastings.
An economic impact study by Keep the Money in Nebraska indicated the new racinos will generate $320 million in annual adjusted gross revenue, and contribute $40.5 million in state and local government revenue and $65 million in gambling taxes. The venues also will create 4,600 jobs. Ho-Chunk President and Chief Executive Officer Land Morgan noted, “There are also going to be a lot of indirect jobs that are going to be created, including the people who work with the gaming operations, the vendors, the horse trainers, the horse breeders, the farmers who support these operations—there’s going to be an economic ripple effect throughout the entire state.”
