Nebraska’s casinos cap off 2025 with a $26 million bang

Nebraska’s casinos topped off a strong 2025 with their best month on record for December, bringing in more than $26 million in revenue and more than $5 million in taxes for the first time ever.

According to the final tax and revenue report of the year from the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, total revenue grew from about $145 million in 2024 to more than $261 million last year. And casinos are taxed at 20%, providing more than $52 million in taxes to state and local entities. Those skyrocketing cash infusions should mean a break for property owners, with the Property Tax Credit Fund netting more than $36 million.

Leading the way on the revenue charts is WarHorse Gaming’s two facilities in Omaha and Lincoln, bringing in more than $177 million combined last year.

Expanding the Omaha facility last year helped that facility nearly triple its revenue to $95 million, government relations coordinator Lynne McNally said.

“A big push for that increased revenue was opening phase two, but we’re getting even bigger now,” McNally said. “We’ve also opened additional tables in the main area and we’ll only be growing in 2026 I would anticipate.”

The Lincoln casino will continue to expand this year, she said.

“We’re in desperate need of additional tables in that location and gaming positions overall,” McNally said. “We’re also opening a high-end steakhouse there and we’re greatly expanding the sportsbook and simulcast area as well.”

WarHorse could break ground on the state’s sixth casino in South Sioux City this coming fall or the following spring, she said.

The state’s other casinos all had strong growth in 2025 compared with 2024.

The Grand Island Casino Resort brought in nearly $55 million in revenue, up from $35 million the previous year. Harrah’s Columbus grew from about $18 million in revenue in 2024 to more than $25 million last year.

Lake Mac Casino & Resort tallied $4.4 million in just over five months of operation.