WarHorse Gaming Receives License for Its Casino in Omaha, Nebraska
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission has approved a gaming operator license for WarHorse Gaming, which casino at Horsemen’s Park, Omaha, is currently under construction.
On Wednesday Lynne McNally, Nebraska Horsemen Benevolent and Protective Association CEO, and Lance Morgan, Ho-Chunk CEO, made a request for the license to be approved to secure $700m in financing to provide the complex’s renovation and expansion, which began in July. The license was granted on a 5-1 vote as Commissioner Jeffrey Galyen opposed and Commissioner Shane Greckel abstained.
WarHorse Gaming is an entity formed by the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, and Ho-Chunk, the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. WarHorse was granted the provisional license in September and got the possibility to open casinos in Omaha and Lincoln. A groundbreaking ceremony at Horsemen’s Park was held in July, two weeks after the similar event for WarHouse Casino in Lincoln.
It is planned that the facility at Horsemen’s Park will feature 20 table games, over 1,200 slot machines, simulcast and live horse racing and a sportsbook. A sports bar, a cafe and other dining options will also be included in the final build-out.
Note that the casino will not be built from scratch: the existing complex will be renovated and will be expanded with a new construction of nearly 67,000 square feet. Also, in nearly ten months after groundbreaking, a temporary venue with 800 gambling machines will be launched.
It’s worth mentioning that all horse tracks licensed and located in Nebraska (in Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Columbus, Grand Island and South Sioux City) have unveiled plans to add casinos.
In other news, PlayAGS reports a 16% revenue increase in Q3 compared with last year period.
