The two Nebraska casinos set yet another state record in just over seven months.
This time, data shows WarHorse Lincoln and the Grand Island Casino Resort combined to generate roughly $1.55 million in gaming taxes in March.
In February, the two casinos combined for $1.34 million in tax revenue, up from the $1.2 million recorded in January. As a result, Nebraska has increased its gaming tax revenue for the third straight month.
With a Nebraska casino tax rate of 20%, the two casinos combined to generate $7.7 million in revenue.
Nebraska casinos set new state record for tax contributions
With an impressive March, tax contributions from both casinos were up across the board. Experts speculate Nebraska tax revenue and casino profits will continue to increase as more casinos begin opening in the state.
March tax contribution breakdown for WarHorse Gaming:
- State general fund: $23,901
- Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund: $23,901
- Property tax credit cash fund: $669,249
- City share: $119,508
- County share: $119,508
- Total: $956,071
February tax contribution breakdown for WarHorse Gaming:
- State general fund: $21,454
- Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund: $21,454
- Property tax credit cash fund: $600,725
- City share: $107,272
- County share: $107,272
- Total: $858,178
The Grand Island casino comes from Elite Casino Resorts, which is busy working on the race track’s permanent casino location. Once finished, the permanent site will have 850 slot machines, 20 table games, a Nebraska sportsbook and additional amenities.
Nonetheless, the temporary location, which has 280 slot machines and several sports betting kiosks, has performed well.
March tax contribution breakdown for Grand Island:
- State general fund: $14,808
- Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund: $14,808
- Property tax credit cash fund: $414,625
- City share: $74,040
- County share: $74,040
- Total: $592,321
February tax contribution breakdown for Grand Island:
- State general fund: $12,087
- Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund: $12,087
- Property tax credit cash fund: $338,455
- City share: $60,438
- County share: $60,438
- Total: $483,507
Caesars Nebraska casino could open by June
Tom Sage, executive director of the gaming commission, also said Caesars Entertainment plans to open its temporary casino at Ag Park.
Sage said Caesars hopes to have its temporary location in Columbus open sometime in June.
On April 14, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission also approved plans for Grand Island to add table games.
According to the Lincoln Journal Star, Vincent Fiala, the casino’s general manager, said it would add craps, roulette and blackjack tables to its existing operation.
Additional expansions to the temporary location include:
- More slot machines
- Restrooms on the casino floor
- An expanded dining area
- Entertainment space
