Omaha nebraska casino

On Tuesday, WarHorse Gaming announced it plans to start construction on its Omaha casino in June and partially open its new casino in June or July of

"We're grateful for the patience — particularly to the citizens of Omaha," said Lynne McNally, CEO of Nebraska Horsemen.

Nebraska Horsemen is partnering with Ho-Chunk Inc. to launch the WarHorse casinos in Lincoln and Omaha.

Lincoln's WarHorse casino opened a temporary facility with slot machines in September McNally said Omaha's first opening next summer will be a supercharged version of Lincoln's, with more than double the number of gaming positions.

The final facility is expected to open about four months later, by the end of

"It's going to be fantastic," she said. "We'll have table games, restaurant options, sports betting, and simulcasting."

The next phase of construction on Lincoln's full facility will likely start in July of It'll double the size of the current spot and add parking stalls, featuring slot machines, six to ten table games and an expanded dining area.

McNally said she's excited to bring the horse racing element back to Omaha.

"We're revitalizing an entire industry for the state of Nebraska and helping launch a new one at the same time," she said.

As for the wait — the gaming initiative was approved by voters in November — McNally said it's been a series of frustrating events that are nobody's fault.

She cited the time it took to get rules and regulations in place and the state of the economy just as they were about to tackle a $ million project.

"Unfortunately, we started the process at about the same time the economy tanked and interest rates went through the roof," she said. "That has been difficult to navigate, but we've done that effectively and that's done."

After breaking ground in July on its Omaha casino at Horsemen's Park near 63rd and Q streets, construction has focused on updating the sewer and water systems, road work, and laying the foundations for the five-story parking garage.

In 13 to 14 months, there should be legal gambling inside Omaha city limits.

"We're expecting to fulfill our promise of keeping the money in Nebraska," McNally said. "We're hoping those Nebraskans who've been driving across the river to Council Bluffs will stay in Omaha and spend their money in Omaha, keeping their tax revenue in Omaha and in the state."

Nebraska's collected about $ million in tax revenue since September from the two open facilities in Lincoln and Grand Island.

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