Published on: September 21, 2025, 08:39h.
Updated on: September 21, 2025, 08:39h.
- In-person sports betting is currently the only option in Nebraska
- An initiative to broaden online sports betting will launch shortly
- WarHorse Gaming is spearheading the ballot initiative
Currently, Nebraska’s sports betting is restricted to in-person activities at five racetrack casinos, but an initiative to legalize online sports wagering is on the horizon.
WarHorse Gaming, LLC, manages two casinos in Nebraska — WarHorse Casino Lincoln and WarHorse Casino Omaha. The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska will open a third casino in South Sioux City in the near future.
WarHorse is making significant headway in Nebraska’s gaming sector, with its Omaha and Lincoln venues generating over $90 million of the total estimated $132 million in gross gaming revenue by August this year. This total encompasses revenue from slots, table games, and in-person sports betting.
According to Lynne McNally, Nebraska’s gaming revenue would increase significantly if online sports betting were legalized, resulting in more tax revenue that could help reduce property taxes.
Initiative for Online Sports Betting
Opinions vary on whether the statewide gaming ballot referendums passed by Nebraskans in 2020 give the state Legislature authority to expand sports betting into the online realm. However, most believe that the public should have a say.
McNally and WarHorse Gaming will soon launch a statewide petition to gather public support for online sports betting. If the proposed constitutional amendment gathers 10% of registered voters, approximately 125,000 signatures, and the state approves the language for the ballot, it may be presented to voters during the midterms in November 2026.
“The reality is that tax revenues are flowing to Iowa, Kansas, and Colorado. People are using VPNs to mask their locations, pretending to be in Iowa,” McNally explained to Nebraska Public Media regarding the current prohibition on online betting in the state.
WarHorse, in collaboration with the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association for the development and operation of the three horse racetrack casinos, was a major financial contributor to the 2020 referendums that legalized slots, table games, and sports betting at licensed horse racetracks statewide.
Ho-Chunk, Inc. invested over $17.5 million in the Keep the Money in Nebraska committee, which effectively persuaded voters to authorize casino gambling by arguing that residents were losing $400 million annually to casinos in neighboring states, resulting in significant tax revenue losses that could otherwise help ease rising property taxes.
Benefits of Casinos
Casino.org recently reported that the expansion of casino gambling in Nebraska is fulfilling voters’ hopes by contributing to lower property tax rates. The revenue generated from the five casinos has exceeded expectations, allowing Governor Jim Pillen (R) to announce an additional $20 million for the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund for 2025.
The fund’s benefits will be available to all Nebraska homeowners, irrespective of income. Last year, homeowners received approximately $250 on properties valued at $200,000. This credit is expected to increase this year.
In addition to WarHorse’s casinos, Nebraska’s other gaming locations include Harrah’s Columbus NE Racing & Casino, Grand Island Casino Resort, and Lake Mac Casino Resort.