Local Casinos In Nebraska

  • Learn about the state's numerous local tribal-owned casinos and commercial racino locations
  • No state‑regulated online casinos available in 2026

Nebraska flag iconSince voters approved expanded casino gaming in 2020, Nebraska’s brick-and-mortar casino landscape has evolved from limited tribal venues and keno halls into a regulated market that now includes full casino floors at licensed horse racetracks, aka racinos.

Today, players can find slot machines, table games, sports betting, and live horse racing at several locations in cities like Lincoln, Omaha, Columbus, Grand Island, and Ogallala.

In addition to state-licensed racinos, several tribal casinos have operated in the Cornhusker State since 1992, offering smaller, community-focused gaming floors primarily centered around slot machines and electronic gaming devices.

Together, these venues, along with online NE casinos, help form the complete picture of local casinos in Nebraska. From larger racetrack casino developments featuring sportsbooks and planned hotel expansions to more intimate tribal gaming properties serving regional patrons, the states gaming landscape continues to evolve both on the casino floor and in the digital space.

Table of Contents

    Local Racinos – 5 Race & Casino Locations

    Nebraska’s racinos operate at licensed horse racing tracks and were authorized after voters approved casino gaming at those facilities in 2020. There are currently 5 racino locations in the state, two of which are owned and operated by federally recognized tribes. On the gaming floor, racinos are centered primarily on slot machines, which account for most gaming positions at each property.

    Larger venues such as WarHorse Omaha and WarHorse Lincoln offer several hundred to over a thousand slot machines, along with a modest number of live table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps.

    Poker rooms are generally not a major component of Nebraska racinos, and where table games are offered, they are limited compared to large destination casinos in other states. Sports betting is available at select properties, and all racinos maintain horse racing components through live meets and simulcast wagering areas integrated into the casino floor layout.

    Harrah’s Columbus Racing & Casino – A Caesars Rewards Destination (Columbus)

    WarHorse Casino Lincoln (Lincoln)*

    WarHorse Casino Omaha (Omaha)*

    Grand Island Casino Resort (Grand Island)

    Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack (Ogallala)

    * Indicates Location is Tribal-Owned/Operated

    Tribal Casinos In Nebraska

    Nebraska’s tribal casinos are generally smaller, community-focused gaming properties operated by federally recognized tribes including the Santee Sioux Nation (Ohiya Casino & Resort), the Winnebago Tribe (Native Star Casino and Iron Horse Bar & Casino), and the Omaha Tribe (Lucky 77 Casino).

    On the gaming floor, the primary focus at most local establishments are slot machines and electronic gaming devices. Ohiya Casino is the largest tribal casino in Nebraska, featuring several hundred slot machines along with limited electronic table-style games and an attached hotel. Smaller venues like Native Star Casino, Lucky 77 Casino, and Iron Horse concentrate almost exclusively on slot and video gaming terminals, with little to no live table game presence.

    Traditional live poker rooms and large-scale table game pits are generally not part of the states tribal casino landscape, and sportsbooks are only available at a few locations. Overall, the experience is more intimate and machine-focused, catering to steady local play rather than high-end resort gaming.

    Native Star Casino (Winnebago)

    Prairie Flower Casino (Carter Lake, IA)

    Ohiya Casino & Resort (Niobrara)

    Lucky 77 Casino (Walthill)

    Iron Horse Bar & Casino (Emerson)

    Nebraska Gambling Age Requirements

    Nebraska’s gambling age requirements vary depending on the type of wagering. Casino-style gaming carries a higher minimum age than lottery and certain other forms of betting. Both state regulators and tribal authorities enforce strict age verification policies at licensed facilities.

    Minimum Gambling Age Restrictions:

    • 21 years old – Casino gaming at racinos (slots, table games, retail sportsbooks)
    • 21 years old – Tribal casino gaming (slots and electronic table games)
    • 18 years old – NE Lottery
    • 18 years old – Keno
    • 18 years old – Pari-mutuel horse race wagering

    All licensed operators are required to verify age before allowing participation in regulated gambling activities.

    Casino Gaming Options

    In-person casino gaming in Nebraska is available at licensed racetrack casinos (racinos) and tribal casinos throughout the state. Although the variety is more limited compared to online casino games, players can still access a strong lineup of classic casino favorites.

    Here are the most common in-person casino games:

    • Slot Machines
    • Video Poker
    • Table Games: Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat
    • Electronic Table Games (ETGs)
    • Pari-mutuel Horse Racing
    • Sportsbooks

    Nebraska does not currently regulate real-money online casinos within the state. However, some players choose to access online NE casino apps from international gaming platforms that accept U.S. customers. These sites typically offer online slots, table games, and live dealer options.

    More Gambling Options

    Beyond casinos and racinos, there are several other gambling options available across the state, giving residents additional ways to place legal wagers. One of the most common is keno, which is widely offered in bars, restaurants, and dedicated keno lounges throughout the state. Unlike casino gaming, keno is regulated at the local level and is available to players 18 and older. Many communities operate keno as a source of local revenue, and it remains one of the most accessible and frequently played forms of gambling in the state.

    The Nebraska Lottery is another major gambling option, offering draw games, scratch-off tickets, and multi-state games such as Powerball and Mega Millions. Available to players 18 and older, lottery tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers statewide, including convenience stores and supermarkets.

    While there are no state-licensed online casinos, there are a few reputable sites that accept NE players over the age of 18.

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    Local Gaming Regulation

    Both casino and racino gaming is regulated by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission* (NRGC) after voters approved casino gambling at licensed horse racetracks in 2020. State law allows casino gaming only at those racetrack locations, which is why the states commercial properties operate as racinos. The NRGC oversees licensing, compliance, auditing, and responsible gaming requirements for operators and vendors.

    Tribal casinos are regulated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act* (IGRA) at the federal level and overseen by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), along with each tribe’s own gaming commission.

    FAQ's

    Are there any smoke-free casinos in Nebraska?
    Do NE casinos offer player rewards programs?
    Are alcohol and drinks free at Nebraska casinos?
    Do Nebraska casinos have hotels on site?
    Are there dress codes at local casinos in NE?