Nebraska Nearing Retail Sports Betting Launch

While dozens of states are already on board with retail and or sports betting, not much is mentioned about the disposition of sports betting in Nebraska. What makes that so interesting is the fact the state's legislation actually approved such legislation back in 2021. Why no launch to date?

Details About Nebraska's Sports Betting Legislation

When Nebraska's Governor signed off on the legalization of sports betting for the benefit of the state's residents, the new bill effectively gave the right to accept bets to all of the state's licensed racetracks. That included the Lincoln Race Track in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Lincoln Race Track is owned and operated by the Winnebago Tribe in Nebraska. When the sports betting legislation was passed in 2021, the Winnebago Tribe had not yet secured a facility from which they could offer sports betting services. All of that changed last fall when the Tribe finished the development of its new WarHorse Casino.

With the casino now in place next to Lincoln Race Track, the Winnebago Tribe moved forward with the development of a retail sportsbook. By all indications, the casino should be ready to start accepting retail sports bets by the end of May.

At that time, the WarHorse Casino will feature a 9,000 sq. ft. gaming floor with over 400 slot machines, sports betting, and live and simulcasting wagering on horse racing from around the U.S. By the end of this year, they will have added a 220-room hotel, restaurants, and an event center. They will also be working with legislators for the ability to offer table games and video poker.

The Future of the Expansion of Sports Betting in Nebraska

It is abundantly clear that the Winnebago Tribe has very big planes in the future. Not wanting to rest on their laurels, the Tribe will soon begin the development of two more casinos under the ownership of WarHorse Gaming LLC.

The two new casinos have been branded as WarHorse Casino Omaha in Omaha and WarHorse Casino Atokad in South Sioux City. Based on current projections, the state's next sportsbook would likely be at the WarHorse Casino Omaha.

According to Lynne McNally, Vice-President of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), in an interview with KETV: “We’re going to be starting sports wagering probably by the end of May.”

Caesars Entertainment Looking to Join the Nebraska Adult Entertainment Cmmunity

Not to be outdone, Caesars Entertainment has announced that they will be opening a small-scale hotel/casino property later this year. The new casino will feature 500 slot machines, 14 casino tables, restaurants, and yes, a full-service retail sportsbook.

While the entire casino should be open for business by the early part of 2024, discussions are underway for the opening of a temporary gaming facility this June. This temporary casino area could include a sportsbook and 200 slots.

Other future casino properties looking to open in 2024-2025 include The Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park with more casinos under consideration.