Nebraska's casinos reached a remarkable milestone last year, with gaming revenues skyrocketing to a record-breaking $262 million.
This is according to the final tax and revenue report of the year from the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. It marks a significant turning point for the state's casino industry, which has been expanding rapidly in recent years.
The surge in revenue is not only generating extra income for operators but also playing a pivotal role in providing property-tax relief and fueling the push for online sports betting. It has also negatively affected lottery sales in the Cornhusker State. And this boom in 2025 could be seen as early as July.
Let's take a closer look at how Nebraska's casino industry is reshaping the state's economic landscape and what this means for the future.
A Year of Unprecedented Growth
The astonishing leap from approximately $145.7 million in gaming revenue in 2024 to over $261 million in 2025 represents an incredible 80% increase year-over-year.
This growth can be attributed to the opening of permanent facilities and new racinos, which have significantly bolstered the industry's capacity and appeal.
December alone saw revenues exceed $26 million, making it the most profitable month on record and capping off a year marked by several high-revenue months, including October and May, both of which surpassed $24 million.
Transforming Revenue into Property Tax Relief
One of the most profound impacts of the booming casino industry is on property tax relief in Nebraska.
With a 20% statewide tax on casino gross gaming revenue (GGR), 2025 saw over $52 million in tax revenue, marking a significant increase from the $29.1 million collected in 2024.
The Nebraska constitution directs 70% of this revenue to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund, resulting in more than $36 million being channeled into this fund in 2025.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen even signed an executive order to allocate an additional $20 million from surplus property-tax credit funds back to taxpayers, directly linking the surplus to the success of casino revenues.
Nebraska Casinos Generating The Most Revenue
Certain casino properties in Nebraska have played crucial roles in the industry’s growth.
WarHorse Gaming’s properties in Omaha and Lincoln are leading the charge, generating over $177 million in combined revenue for 2025. Omaha, in particular, contributed approximately $95 million, nearly tripling its revenue from the previous year. Lincoln also had big numbers, especially over the summer.
Grand Island Casino Resort also posted impressive growth, with nearly $55 million in revenue, while other properties, such as Harrah’s Columbus and Lake Mac Casino & Resort, demonstrated strong upward trends, further solidifying the state's position in the casino market.
Expanding Role of Sports Betting
Despite the lack of statewide mobile sports betting authorization, Nebraska's retail sportsbooks at racetrack casinos have become a rapidly growing segment of the market.
Sports betting contributed around $8.1 million to casino revenue last year, almost doubling the $4.7 million recorded in 2024.
Efforts to introduce online sports betting continue, with proposals like the Legislative Resolution 20CA aiming to put this issue on the 2026 ballot. Though not yet successful, these efforts highlight the state's ongoing interest in expanding its betting options.
Looking Forward: Nebraska's Place in the U.S. Casino Industry
Nebraska's casino industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, positioning it uniquely within the broader U.S. casino landscape.
As the state transitions from merely an entertainment destination to an economic powerhouse, the emphasis on property-tax relief and coordinated political messaging fuels optimism for continued expansion. Nebraska's revenue trajectory suggests that the state could see a new wave of developments, potentially including online sports betting and additional racetrack-based casinos, by the late 2020s.
All things being equal, last year was unlike any other for Nebraska's casino industry, setting new records and paving the way for future growth.
By translating casino success into tangible benefits like property tax relief, Nebraska is crafting a compelling narrative of economic prosperity and community support, with its casinos at the heart of this transformation.
