It may be July, but the casino revenue coming out of Nebraska is more than "knee-high."
In recent years, Nebraska's casino industry has experienced significant growth, culminating in another record-breaking month in May.
According to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, the state's four commercial casinos generated $24.2 million in revenue, marking a 149.3% increase over the previous year. This surge was primarily driven by the expansion of gaming options, with slot machines playing a pivotal role.
This is the third consecutive month that the Cornhusker State has generated record-breaking revenue. The expanded gaming options and increased foot traffic have been instrumental in achieving these figures.
This, as state lawmakers still try to decide if online sports betting will be legalized.
Key Revenue Contributors and Performance of Individual Casinos
Slot machines were the primary driver of the impressive figures, contributing $20.5 million, which represented 84.7% of the total revenue collected in May. This massive contribution highlights the enduring popularity of slot games among casino-goers in Nebraska.
The four commercial casinos in Nebraska each played a pivotal role in the state's strong performance:
- WarHorse Casino Omaha emerged as the top contributor, generating a remarkable $9.1 million in revenue.
- WarHorse Gaming Lincoln followed with a solid $7.3 million.
- Grand Island Casino and Resort contributed $5.6 million.
- Harrah’s Columbus rounded out the list with $2.3 million.
Gaming Tax and Property Tax Relief
The robust performance of Nebraska’s casinos also had significant implications for state finances. Over $4.8 million in gaming taxes were collected in May alone.
Of this, nearly $3.4 million was allocated to the property tax credit cash fund, providing substantial relief to homeowners across the state. This smart allocation of tax revenue underscores the multifaceted benefits of a thriving casino industry.
The History of Casinos in Nebraska
Nebraska's journey in the casino industry has been quite a fascinating one. For the longest time, the state was known for its conservative approach to gambling. The roots of casino gaming in Nebraska can be traced back to the constitutional amendment passed in the 2020 election. Before this, the only form of legalized gambling within the state was through tribal casinos.
In November 2020, Nebraskans voted to permit the development of commercial casinos at licensed horse racing tracks. This move was a historic shift aimed at preserving the local economy and boosting state revenue. By 2022, the opening of the first commercial casinos marked the beginning of a new era for Nebraska's gaming industry. Over the years, these casinos have expanded their offerings, steadily attracting more visitors and revenue.
Nebraska's casino industry has become an integral part of the state's economy, generating substantial revenue and contributing to tax relief efforts. The record-breaking performance in May underscores the sector's potential for continued growth and economic impact. As Nebraska's casinos continue to innovate and expand their offerings, they are poised to attract even more visitors and contribute further to the state's financial health.
And remember, online casinos are not legal in Nebraska, but sweepstakes casinos are, so if you want to try some online casino games, you can start there.
