Zoe Sharp
Yesterday, WarHouse officials revealed their plans to commence construction on the new Lincoln and Omaha gaming facilities. WarHorse Gaming Lincoln’s next phase of construction will begin shortly after the Omaha facility construction starts in July this year. The completed facility in Lincoln is to host 870 slot machines, six to ten table games, and an expanded dining area.
The proposed casino at Omaha’s Horsemen’s Park is expected to start operating in June or July next year. Omaha’s gambling venue will feature 1,300 slots and 20 table games, 800 of which to be available after the first phase of the casino construction.
Casinos in Omaha and Lincoln to Provide Residents with Multiple Gaming Options
On Tuesday, WarHouse Gaming unveiled its plans to start construction work on its casino in Omaha in June this year and partially open its new gambling establishment in June or July 2024. Lynne McNally, Chief Executive Officer of Nebraska Horsemen, thanked Omaha citizens for their patience and added that the gambling facility will offer a fantastic range of 20 table games, 870 slots, sports betting, and simulcasting. Ms. McNally could not hide her enthusiasm from the fact that the gambling venues in Omaha and Lincoln will revive the state’s horse racing sector.
According to experts, WarHorse entertainment complexes in Omaha and Lincoln will bolster Nebraska’s economy and attract more visitors to the state. Besides, the facilities will bring Nebraska’s horse racing industry to life. Estimations show that the WarHorse Gaming Lincoln will employ more than 500 people and generate roughly $14 million in tax revenue for the state of Nebraska.
In September 2022, WarHorse opened a temporary casino in Lincoln until the construction of the permanent complex is completed. The temporary casino occupies 9,000 square feet and hosts 433 slot machines. The next phase of the construction of Lincoln’s permanent gambling venue is expected to start in July this year and will add 500 parking lots, 870 slot machines, six to ten table games, and an expanded dining area to the current spot.
WarHorse Casino Projects in Omaha and Lincoln Faced Multiple Hurdles on Their Way
McNally explained that the realization of the casino projects took longer than expected due to some circumstances beyond anyone’s control. She added that Nebraska voters passed a gambling ballot measure, allowing casino gambling at horse racing tracks in November 2020.
McNally cited the legal hurdles that WarHorse had to clear before being able to commence construction on its Lincoln and Omaha casinos in July. She also noted that the process of construction of the two gambling facilities coincided with rising interest rates, and the company needed time to effectively navigate the situation.
In 2022, WarHorse Casino Omaha at Horsemen’s Park obtained a license from the Nebraska Racing & Gaming Commission. It is one of two under-construction gaming projects in the state initiated by the Winnebago Tribe. They have partnered with the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (NHBPA) for both casino ventures in Omaha and Lincoln. Revenue generated from the two gambling facilities will be used for property tax relief.