Nebraska’s commercial casino market closed 2025 with its strongest month to date, as newly built and expanded facilities helped push revenue and tax collections to record levels. December marked the highest single-month performance since casino gaming launched in the state, capping a year of rapid growth tied to additional gaming space, more tables, and new permanent locations.

Figures released by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission (pdf) show that the state’s five casinos generated more than $26 million in revenue in December. That monthly total represented a sharp increase from the same period a year earlier and contributed to a full-year performance that more than doubled the industry’s prior annual results.

Over the course of 2025, casino revenue statewide climbed from about $145 million in 2024 to more than $261 million, according to Nebraska Public Media. With casinos taxed at a 20% rate, the expansion translated into more than $52 million in tax revenue directed to state and local governments. A large share of that funding flowed into property tax relief, with the Property Tax Credit Fund receiving more than $36 million.

December performance driven by recent expansions

Data from the commission’s December report shows that growth came from multiple forms of gaming. Slot machines remained the largest contributor, generating $21.7 million statewide for the month, reflecting a substantial year-over-year increase. Table games produced $2.6 million, while electronic table games added $687,753. Retail sports betting accounted for $1.1 million in December revenue.

WarHorse Casino Omaha posted the highest monthly revenue among Nebraska casinos, reporting $9.2 million in December. Slot revenue at the facility reached $7.6 million, and table games generated $982,651. The Omaha location expanded its gaming floor earlier in the year, which the operator credits with accelerating growth.

The Lincoln property operated by WarHorse followed closely behind with $8.2 million for the month. Table games revenue at that casino rose sharply after additional offerings were introduced in late 2024, while slot revenue also posted a year-over-year increase.

Grand Island Casino, which opened its permanent facility in April, recorded the largest percentage gain in December. The casino reported $5.5 million in revenue for the month, supported by strong slot performance and increased table game play. Harrah’s Columbus reported $2.1 million in December revenue, reflecting modest growth overall, even as table games declined compared with the prior year. Lake Mac Casino, which began operations in August, generated just under $1 million during the month.

WarHorse leads annual totals as statewide revenue surges

On an annual basis, WarHorse Gaming’s two casinos in Omaha and Lincoln dominated Nebraska’s revenue totals. Combined, the properties brought in more than $177 million during 2025, accounting for a large share of statewide casino income.

According to WarHorse Gaming, expansion work played a central role in that performance. The Omaha facility nearly tripled its revenue after additional phases opened last year. Government relations coordinator Lynne McNally said the property continues to add capacity.

“A big push for that increased revenue was opening phase two, but we’re getting even bigger now,” McNally said. “We’ve also opened additional tables in the main area and we’ll only be growing in 2026 I would anticipate.”

Expansion plans remain active at the Lincoln casino as well. McNally said the location plans to increase gaming positions and add new amenities.

“We’re in desperate need of additional tables in that location and gaming positions overall,” McNally said. “We’re also opening a high-end steakhouse there and we’re greatly expanding the sportsbook and simulcast area as well.”

Beyond WarHorse, other casinos also posted strong year-over-year gains in 2025. Grand Island Casino Resort generated nearly $55 million in annual revenue, up from $35 million the year before. Harrah’s Columbus increased its annual revenue from roughly $18 million in 2024 to more than $25 million in 2025. Lake Mac Casino & Resort reported $4.4 million in revenue from just over five months of operation.

McNally said WarHorse may further expand Nebraska’s casino footprint, with plans that could include a sixth casino in South Sioux City, potentially breaking ground later this year or next spring.