Nebraska’s two racetracks – WarHorse Casino and Grand Island Casino Resort – have combined to generate $1.34m in gaming taxes during February.
With the state’s tax rate being 20%, this means the two racinos made around $6.8m before expenses during the month of February. The WarHorse produced the majority of this tax money – approximately $858,000 of the total sum, making it the highest-earning month for the racino.
It edged out the previous record set in October by $4,000; the WarHorse has been operating for five months to date.
The Grand Island casino generated nearly $483,500, which is around $37,000 more than its January figures. The casino began its operations in the first month of 2023.
The two casinos have now generated $2.6m in gaming taxes in 2023 and $5.4m since they opened their doors to the public. The vast majority of that money (70%) goes into a state property tax relief fund. For February, that amount was just more than $939,000. For the year to date, the total is a little over $1.8m.
Gambling in Lincoln and Grand Island has been limited to slot machines located at temporary casinos at the horse racing tracks. A third temporary casino in Columbus, NE is expected to open sometime later this spring.
Both of the Nebraskan casinos also are hoping to add sports betting to their roster soon. WarHorse Lincoln officials said they are hopeful that they will be to begin taking their first bets later this spring.
