WarHorse Gaming, LLC, Nebraska’s leading casino operator and a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk, Inc., has successfully refinanced $300 million in initial loans to support casino development and expansion projects over the next five years, including the launch of a new facility.
The upcoming $50 million casino in South Sioux City will be built by Ho-Chunk Construction Group, which is based on the Winnebago Reservation near the city. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, with completion projected within 18 to 24 months, according to Ho-Chunk spokesperson Drew Niehaus.
Niehaus noted that the refinancing deal secured more favorable interest rates and improved liquidity, allowing the company to retain more working capital rather than reinvesting all funds into the loan.
WarHorse Properties & Expansion
WarHorse currently operates two other casinos, WarHorse Omaha and WarHorse Lincoln, both of which opened in 2024 and are either expanding or have recently completed upgrades.
The Lincoln property is undergoing a $70 million expansion that will add 70,000 to 80,000 square feet of gaming space, including table games, slot machines, a sports bar, and a restaurant. Plans for a 200-room hotel are also in place, though construction has not yet begun, and no timeline has been confirmed.
In Omaha, the expansion was finalized in April, featuring a 50,000-square-foot gaming floor with 1,200 slot machines, a covered skywalk connecting the parking garage to the casino, and several new dining options.
Casino Expansion Leads To State Revenue Boost
Casino gambling at horse racing venues was legalized in Nebraska following a 2020 voter-approved constitutional amendment, which Niehaus says was championed by WarHorse Gaming.
To date, WarHorse has generated approximately $95 million in gaming revenue this year. Of that, $22.5 million has been collected in gaming taxes, most of which has been allocated toward property tax relief under state law.
Does Nebraska Have Legal Online Gambling?
Nebraska is one of the few states without any domestic online gambling options. However, residents over 18 can access online Nebraska casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms via offshore sites that serve the USA.
Online gambling sites have been serving all 50 US states since the late 1990s and have become the primary source for real money gambling to most Americans. While some sites only accept players from some states, Nebraskans have full access to the options available online. However, it is recommended that players wager only on licensed sites, as trusted gaming commissions regulate them.
Popular online casino games that NE players can access include slots, video poker, roulette, blackjack, and more. You can even find live dealer games that offer a range of buy-in options. Players will also discover that many of the casino sites we recommend offer sports betting and poker options with a single player account.