The South Sioux City gaming landscape is set for a significant shake-up as Ho-Chunk, Inc. unveils plans to build a brand-new casino in the area. The company, which has been expanding its footprint in Nebraska since changes to the state’s constitution in 2020, aims to launch its latest project on two 40-acre parcels south of Highway 20.

Plans to relocate horse racing and expand gaming options:

Ho-Chunk’s ambitious initiative builds on Nebraska’s constitutional amendment four years ago that legalized horse racing, paving the way for casino development. While the company’s subsidiary, Warhorse Gaming, focuses on launching projects in Omaha and Lincoln, attention now shifts to South Sioux City.

Construction on the $50 million development is set to begin in spring 2025, with an initial focus on relocating the Atokad horse racing track. The east side of the 80-acre site will house the new track, while the casino itself will occupy the west parcel.

As KTIV 4 reports, Ho-Chunk Inc. CEO Lance Morgan described the scale of the project, stating, “We’re (Ho-Chunk) still sort of finalizing the draft, but it’ll be a modest casino by most standards.” Once completed, the facility will feature a horse racing track, slot machines and table games, a sportsbook for sports betting, and expansion potential to include a hotel in the future.

Balancing competition and community impact:

The project introduces a new gaming competitor to the local market, though Morgan emphasized that the company’s analysis suggests it will primarily compete with existing casinos like Sioux City’s Hard Rock rather than other tribal entities. “We don’t really want to hurt WinnaVegas. Our study shows us that most of the revenue will come from the Hard Rock,” he explained.

Before the casino can open, Ho-Chunk will need to convert its current horse racing license into a full casino license. The site’s proximity to local schools raises some concerns, but Morgan highlighted the substantial economic and community benefits the project will bring.

“Twenty-five percent of the casino tax goes to the local city and county and so it’ll be an additional revenue source to local governments to invest in schools and infrastructure in the community,” said Morgan.

Ho-Chunk’s casino project is expected to generate millions in new tax revenue for both South Sioux City and Dakota County. Morgan also pointed out that the development will create new employment opportunities, benefiting the local workforce during the construction and operation phases.

While construction could start as early as fall 2025 or spring 2026, there is no official opening date yet. Once complete, the project promises to enhance the region’s gaming offerings while contributing significantly to local economic growth.