WarHorse Breaks Ground on $100 Million Casino Resort in South Sioux City

WarHorse Gaming has officially broken ground on a $100 million casino and hospitality development in South Sioux City, Nebraska, adding a third property to its growing portfolio of racetrack casinos in the state. The ceremony took place on August 27 at a site adjacent to the Atokad Downs racetrack, marking the beginning of a project that company officials describe as a long-term goal for the region.

The new development will include approximately 600 slot machines, 16 table games, and a 100-room hotel, along with live and simulcast horse racing. Plans also call for an outdoor pool area, a sportsbook section with sports betting kiosks, convention facilities, and multiple entertainment options. WarHorse Gaming operates as a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development corporation of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|——–|————-|
| Project value | $100 million |
| Groundbreaking date | August 27, 2026 |
| Slot machines | Approximately 600 |
| Table games | 16 |
| Hotel rooms | 100 |
| Operator | WarHorse Gaming (subsidiary of Ho-Chunk Inc.) |
| Location | Adjacent to Atokad Downs racetrack, South Sioux City, Nebraska |

Project scheduled for multi-stage construction

WarHorse plans to develop the property in two phases, allowing casino operations to begin while construction continues on the broader resort complex. The completed venue is expected to feature Nebraska Ale Haus, a full-service restaurant with a second-floor patio bar, and an outdoor concert venue designed to draw visitors from across the wider Siouxland area.

Lance Morgan, president and chief executive officer of Ho-Chunk, described the phased approach as a strategy to establish the property’s presence in the market before the entire development is finished. “South Sioux City has been part of the vision for WarHorse from the beginning, and we’re excited to get started,” Morgan said in remarks reported by KTIV. “We’ve seen the excitement WarHorse has generated in Lincoln and Omaha, not to mention the economic impact. This is a significant investment, and we’re building a destination we believe will make a real impact on the region.”

Morgan added that the project aims to change how visitors view the area. “We want people to think differently about what a trip to South Sioux City can look like,” he said. “You can come for the casino, but there will be plenty of reasons to stay. Whether it’s dinner, a concert, a weekend away, or a day at the races, we’re creating an entertainment destination that we think will give people across Siouxland a new reason to come to Nebraska.”

The groundbreaking also coincided with Morgan’s 58th birthday.

Horse racing returns to Atokad Downs

The casino project will operate alongside racing activities at Atokad Downs, reinforcing the partnership between WarHorse Gaming and Nebraska horse racing interests. WarHorse and Ho-Chunk previously partnered with the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association to develop racetrack casinos following voter approval of casino gambling in Nebraska in 2020.

Atokad Downs is scheduled to resume live thoroughbred racing beginning August 29. Ho-Chunk announced that racing dates will take place on August 29 and 30, followed by additional events during Labor Day weekend on September 5, 6, and 7. The venue plans to host four thoroughbred races each day, including one race reserved for Nebraska-bred horses. Daily racing is set to begin at 1:30 p.m., with approximately 30 minutes separating each event.

Organizers also plan family-oriented activities, contests, giveaways, and performances by traditional Winnebago dancers. Attendance will be free, although wagering will be restricted to guests aged 21 and older.

Nebraska gaming market continues to expand

WarHorse enters the South Sioux City project from a position of strength within Nebraska’s casino industry. Through the first seven months of 2026, WarHorse Casino Omaha generated gross gaming revenue of $70.3 million, leading all racetrack casinos in the state. WarHorse Casino Lincoln ranked second with $55.7 million in revenue during the same period.

Other Nebraska racetrack casinos reported lower totals, with Grand Island Casino & Resort generating $38.5 million, Harrah’s Columbus NE Racing & Casino recording $14.9 million, and Lake Mac Casino & Resort producing $8.2 million.

The state’s gaming sector could undergo another change later this year as Nebraska voters prepare to consider a ballot referendum on mobile sports betting. Current regulations permit sports wagering only at licensed casino locations. WarHorse Gaming has supported the effort to expand sports betting to online platforms. Supporters argue that additional wagering activity could increase tax revenues earmarked for residential property tax relief, while opponents have raised concerns about the potential social effects of broader gambling access.

What this means for video poker players

For video poker enthusiasts, the South Sioux City property represents a significant expansion of available gaming options in the region. The planned 600 slot machines will almost certainly include a selection of video poker units, as these remain a staple of WarHorse’s existing properties in Lincoln and Omaha. With 16 table games also on offer, the resort will provide a mix of electronic and live gaming choices. The phased construction approach means that some gaming operations could open before the entire resort is complete, potentially giving players earlier access to the new machines. Video poker players visiting the Siouxland area should monitor WarHorse’s announcements for specific machine types and denominations once the casino floor begins operation.

Source: World Casino Directory News – https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/warhorse-starts-work-on-south-sioux-city-casino-resort-124130

Datos clave