WarHorse Casino Lincoln opened its doors for the first time on Saturday, September 24, 2022 in south Lincoln. WarHorse Lincoln is the first state-licensed gambling casino to open in Nebraska, and was a production of policy-making, hard work, and a long anticipated wait.

Over 100 guests gathered outside the casino’s doors early in the morning to be some of the first to experience legalized gambling in Nebraska. To manage the influx of customers, WarHorse Casino had to rely on some veterans to ensure the smooth operation of the opening.

“The staff has numerous years of experience, [along] with casino opening,” a WarHorse casino representative said. “They were relied on to guide the process.”

WarHorse casino was granted its license on Friday, September 23, by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commision, over a year after Nebraskans approved legislation allowing for casinos at state licensed horse racing tracks. WarHorse was most excited to see this ending achievement from the hard work of people in Nebraska, to finally open the first state-licensed gambling casino.

Over the years, many Nebraskans have had to make a trip to Iowa in order to play in a casino.

“When I go over to Iowa,” Brandi Balkus, one casino goer said. “All I see is Nebraska vehicles.”

Citizens are excited at the fact of having state-licensed gamiling within borders, as well as keeping the money inside the state.

“I was pretty excited,” Balkus said. “We’ve needed a casino in Nebraska to keep the money in Nebraska.”

WarHorse Casino’s opening is temporary as this is just the first phase of their build process. Phase two will include a 220-room hotel, restaurant, and event center for the casino.

“Currently the timetable to open the permanent facility is not confirmed,” a WarHorse casino representative said. “Expectations are that it will be in the early part of 2024.”

Other casino locations in Nebraska seem to be coming in the near future, but WarHorse Casino is focusing on one current goal: providing a wonderful entertainment experience to Nebraskans.