The latest data from the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission (NRGC) for March highlight a strong performance for Nebraska casinos, continuing the upward trajectory of the state's young commercial casino industry, often referred to as racinos due to their ties to horse racetracks.
Key March 2026 Figures for Nebraska Casinos:
- Total gross gaming revenue: $28 million, marking a 42.6% increase year-over-year.
- Slots (the dominant category in Nebraska casinos): $23.9 million, up 44%.
- Traditional table games: $2.6 million, up 22%.
- Electronic table games (ETGs): $789,351, up 21%.
- Retail sports betting: $791,353, a substantial 151% year-over-year increase, still a small share overall as mobile/online sports betting isn't legalized yet.
These figures reflect gross gaming revenue—essentially player losses, which represent the "win" for Nebraska casinos before expenses. This trend has been ongoing since the beginning of the year. This, after a record-breaking 2025.
The state imposes a flat 20% tax on these earnings to fund property tax relief (the largest share), the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, the general fund, and local governments.
Property Breakdown of Nebraska Casinos
- WarHorse Casino Omaha (the largest Nebraska casino and most recent expansion): $10.3 million, up 55%. This facility has been a significant growth driver since its phased expansions.
- WarHorse Casino Lincoln: $8.5 million, up 20.4%.
- Grand Island Casino (which moved into its permanent venue in 2025): Showed the strongest percentage growth at $6 million, up 66%.
- The remaining two smaller Nebraska casinos are Harrah's Columbus and Lake Mac Casino, both in Ogallala.
Together, the two WarHorse locations continue to dominate, often accounting for a large majority of Nebraska casinos' total revenue.
Context and Trends in the Nebraska Casino Industry
Last month aligns with the pattern of accelerating growth for Nebraska casinos:
- It follows strong early-2026 months (e.g., February at approximately $26.4 million, up around 57%; January at roughly $25.9 million).
- This builds on the record 2025 full-year total of approximately $261–262 million, nearly 80% higher than 2024's $145–146 million.
- Key drivers include capacity expansions (especially at WarHorse Omaha and the new permanent Grand Island facility), increased visitation, and maturing operations since full-scale gaming launched after the 2020 voter approval.
- Slots consistently make up about 85% of revenue, with table games and sports betting growing but remaining secondary.
In Q1 2026, gaming taxes from Nebraska casinos totaled over $16 million, marking a significant year-over-year increase, with much of it supporting property tax credits for Nebraskans.
The Bigger Picture for Nebraska Casinos
Nebraska's five casinos (Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Columbus, Ogallala) are still relatively new and expanding, leading to common double-digit growth as the market matures. Retail sports betting is available only in-person at these venues and shows volatility tied to the sports calendar; March's solid growth was likely influenced by NCAA basketball.
No major developments have occurred regarding online casino legalization (iGaming) for Nebraska casinos, as it's not part of current discussions. However, efforts remain focused on a potential 2026 ballot measure for mobile/online sports betting, which could further boost the sector if it passes. For the raw official data on Nebraska casinos, consult the NRGC website reports—they publish monthly gaming tax and revenue breakdowns.
March's performance is another positive indicator that Nebraska casinos are meeting expectations for revenue and tax contributions, though growth rates may moderate as the market stabilizes.
