The casino revenue in Nebraska appears to be growing as much as the corn.
Nebraska's five commercial casinos (often called racinos, as they're tied to racetracks) reported more than $26 million in gross gaming revenue last month, according to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission (NRGC).
This marked an increase of almost 57% year-over-year (after a record-breaking 2025). And it comes at a time when the Cornhusker State is pushing to add online casinos.
Slot Machines Drive Success for Nebraska Casinos
- Slot machines (electronic gaming devices) dominated, generating $22.5 million — up 61.8% from the prior year. This category consistently accounts for the vast majority of revenue in Nebraska.
- Traditional table games rose 17.4% to $2.1 million.
- Electronic table games contributed $858,476.
- Retail sports betting added $877,696 (a relatively small but growing segment; note that Nebraska currently offers only in-person sportsbooks at these casinos, with no mobile/online betting authorized yet).
These figures align with the strong momentum seen in recent months: January 2026 revenue was about $25.9 million (up ~46.5%), and December 2025 was similarly around $26 million.
Rapid Expansion Driving Growth
Nebraska's casino industry is still relatively young and expanding quickly:
- The state legalized commercial casino gaming via a 2020 constitutional amendment, with operations ramping up starting in 2022.
- 2024 full-year revenue: ~$145.7 million.
- 2025 full-year revenue: ~$261–262 million — an roughly 80% jump, fueled by new permanent facilities and expansions.
- WarHorse Casino Omaha (the state's largest): Expanded in April 2025; reported $9.9 million in February 2026 (up 62.1%).
- WarHorse Casino Lincoln: $7.7 million (up 33.6%).
- Grand Island Casino Resort (opened permanent facility in April 2025): Biggest percentage gainer at $5.6 million (up 85.5%).
- Other properties: Harrah’s Columbus and Lake Mac Casino Resort (Ogallala), which opened in 2025.
More slots, new/expanded table games, larger facilities, and overall increased capacity have attracted more players. Slots remain the backbone, but table games have grown significantly as more venues offer them.
Taxes and Broader Impact
Casinos pay a 20% state tax on gross gaming revenue. In 2025, this generated over $52 million in taxes, with a large portion (70%) directed to the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund for property tax relief.
February's revenue would contribute roughly $5.28 million in state taxes. Funds also support the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund and local governments.
Here at the total Nebraska gaming tax numbers for January (1st set of numbers) and February:
Nebraska Casinos Have a Lot to Look Forward To
- Growth appears sustainable in early 2026, with continued benefits from 2025's infrastructure improvements.
- Additional expansions are planned (e.g., further phases at WarHorse Lincoln, potential new casino in South Sioux City).
- Retail sports betting continues to grow modestly, though efforts are underway for possible mobile sports betting via 2026 ballot initiatives.
- The industry remains slot-heavy, but diversification into table games and sportsbooks is helping broaden appeal.
Overall, this February report reflects Nebraska's transition from a limited/ nascent market to a more mature one, with revenue roughly doubling in just a couple of years due to infrastructure buildout.
