Nebraska casinos generated $145 million in revenue last year

Jan. 15, 2025, 5:47 p.m. ·

Two people build their bets on a kiosk at the Lincoln Warhorse Casino.
At the Lincoln Warhorse Casino, people can build their bets online or at a designated kiosk and then scan the wager at the sportsbook. (Photo by Aaron Bonderson, Nebraska Public Media)

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The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission’s latest report shows the four casinos in Nebraska generated $29 million in tax revenue last year.

Of that, $20 million will help alleviate local property taxes.

Casey Ricketts is the executive director of the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. She said that’s an increase.

“Considering last year, at the end of 2023, $12.4 million went over to property tax relief,” Ricketts said.

Casinos in Nebraska expanded operations this year, which also contributes to the rise in tax revenue.

Nebraska casinos earned a total of $145 million in 2024. But the December report showed a net loss for sports gambling.

The state’s four casinos lost $125,000, even though it was the second most profitable month of 2024 overall.

Ricketts said the losses can be attributed to some people hitting parlay wagers. That’s where someone groups multiple bets together to increase the potential payout.

“It’s because we had a lot of parlays, apparently, that didn’t pay out,” Ricketts said.

Still, casinos in the state came out $4.7 million ahead for sports betting last year.

Slots lead the way with $128 million generated throughout 2024.

Lincoln’s casino generated the most funds at $59 million.

In the next couple of years, Warhorse LLC, which owns the Lincoln and Omaha casinos wants to build a new facility in South Sioux City.

Last July, the Racing and Gaming Commission approved a racetrack license transfer from Hastings to Ogallala.