Nebraska Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in NE

In November 2020, Nebraska voters passed three gambling ballot measures that legalized casino gambling at horse racing tracks. The Winnebago Tribe is planning to build casino facilities at Lincoln Racecourse in Lincoln, Horsemen’s Park in Omaha, and Atokad in South Sioux City. Two new casinos will also be added: a Harrah’s Casino at Columbus Exposition and Racing in Columbus, and a Grand Island Casino Resort in Grand Island. Additional types of casino games will now be available at all Nebraska casinos due to the new gaming laws.

List of Top Gambling Venues in Nebraska

Related reading: Nebraska online casinos

Nebraska Casinos Reviewed

Iron Horse Bar & Casino

Iron Horse Bar & Casino is located in the small town of Emerson, Nebraska. The casino features a variety of slot machines, video poker machines, and electronic blackjack. Some popular slot titles include Dancing Drums, Buffalo Gold, and Cash Express Luxury Line.

The casino is a small venue with a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff. It has been in operation since 2014, and there is no admission fee required to enter. Iron Horse Bar & Casino does not offer any table games or poker.

The establishment also features a bar and grill, which serves a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and other pub fare. They have a full bar with a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. The casino does not have a hotel, but there are several hotels nearby in the surrounding area.

In addition to the gaming floor, Iron Horse Bar & Casino also has an outdoor patio where customers can enjoy their meals and drinks. The venue is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and the friendly atmosphere and good food make it a great place to relax and have a good time.

Lucky 77 Casino

Lucky 77 Casino is located in Walthill, Nebraska, and is owned by the Omaha Tribe. It offers a variety of popular slot machines and video poker games. Some of the popular titles include Buffalo Gold, Lightning Link, and Ultimate Fire Link.

The casino features a relatively small gaming floor, but it has all the classic casino games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette. It opened in 2011 and does not charge any admission fee.

Lucky 77 Casino has a full-service bar and grill that serves a wide range of dishes from appetizers to full meals. Guests can also enjoy occasional live entertainment and events hosted by the casino.

Unfortunately, there is no hotel located at the casino, but there are several hotels and motels available in the area for visitors. Additionally, the casino offers a players club program where guests can earn points for playing their favorite games and redeem them for prizes, complimentary food, and other perks.

Native Star Casino

Native Star Casino is a tribal casino owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. The casino is located at 1501 Industrial Parkway, Winnebago, Nebraska, United States.

The casino offers a variety of slot machines, video poker, and electronic keno machines. Some of the popular slot titles include Buffalo Stampede, Lucky 88, and Quick Hit Platinum. The venue has a 9,500 square foot gaming floor and opened in 1996.

Native Star Casino has a restaurant and bar, the Iron Horse Bar and Grill, which serves American fare and cocktails. The casino does not have a hotel, but there are nearby lodging options.

Amenities at Native Star Casino include a players club, which offers rewards for playing at the casino, and regular promotions and events such as slot tournaments and drawings. The casino also offers shuttle service to and from nearby towns.

Ohiya Casino & Resort

Ohiya Casino & Resort is located in Niobrara, Nebraska, and is operated by the Santee Sioux Nation. The venue offers a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, video poker, and table games such as blackjack and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. The casino also features a High Stakes Room for serious players.

The casino floor covers 19,000 square feet, with a separate non-smoking gaming area. Ohiya Casino opened in 2013 and is open 24/7. The casino has free admission and offers a player’s club rewards program for frequent visitors.

The casino features a restaurant, the Ohiya Casino Cafe, that serves a variety of dishes. There is also a lounge where guests can enjoy drinks and live entertainment. However, Ohiya Casino does not have a hotel on-site, although they have partnered with nearby hotels for special deals for guests.

The address of Ohiya Casino is 52946 Highway 12, Niobrara, Nebraska 68760.

Rosebud Casino

Rosebud Casino is a tribal casino located in Valentine, Nebraska. The casino offers a variety of games including slot machines, video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and more. Slot machine titles include Buffalo Gold Revolution, Dancing Drums Explosion, and 88 Fortunes.

The casino has a gaming floor of over 10,000 square feet and is open 24/7. Admission to the casino is free, and the minimum age to gamble is 21.

In addition to gaming, Rosebud Casino also features a restaurant called the Rose Garden Cafe, which serves a variety of American and international dishes. The casino also offers a players club program called the Rose Rewards Club, which rewards players with perks and benefits such as free play, discounts, and special promotions.

The casino does not have a hotel on-site, but there are several accommodation options available in the surrounding area. The address of Rosebud Casino is Highway 83, Valentine, NE 69201.

Nebraska Gambling Revenues

Nebraska generates millions of dollars in gambling revenue every year. According to the Nebraska Department of Revenue, in 2021, the state collected $99.6 million in gambling taxes. The majority of this revenue comes from casinos and racetracks located throughout the state.

The revenue generated from gambling in Nebraska is allocated to various government programs and initiatives. One of the largest beneficiaries of this revenue is the Nebraska State Education Fund, which receives 45% of the gambling tax revenue. This fund is used to support K-12 public education in the state.

Another recipient of the gambling tax revenue is the Nebraska State Racing Commission, which receives 10% of the total revenue. This commission oversees the regulation and licensing of horse racing and other pari-mutuel activities in the state.

In addition to education and horse racing, a portion of the gambling tax revenue is also allocated to various other programs and initiatives, including the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund and the State Fair Support Fund. Overall, gambling revenue plays an important role in funding various programs and initiatives in Nebraska.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Nebraska

There are currently no federally recognized Indian gaming tribes in Nebraska. However, this was not always the case. In the 1990s, several tribes attempted to establish casinos on their reservation lands, but these efforts were met with legal challenges and opposition from the state government.

One of the main points of contention was whether the state had the authority to regulate Indian gaming. In 1996, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case of Seminole Tribe v. Florida that states could not sue tribes in court to enforce state gaming regulations, but the ruling did not prevent states from negotiating compacts with tribes that would allow for regulated gaming.

Despite efforts by some tribes to negotiate gaming compacts with the state, as of 2021, there are no Indian gaming operations in Nebraska. However, some tribes continue to pursue the issue and advocate for the right to establish gaming facilities on their lands.

A History of Gambling in Nebraska

Gambling has a long and varied history in Nebraska, dating back to the early days of the state’s settlement. In the late 1800s, gambling was a common form of entertainment in many of the state’s frontier towns, with saloons and other establishments offering card games, dice games, and other forms of betting.

During the early 1900s, Nebraska enacted a series of anti-gambling laws that effectively shut down most forms of gambling in the state. This remained the case until the 1930s, when the state legalized horse racing as a form of gambling.

In the following decades, Nebraska continued to gradually loosen its restrictions on gambling, eventually allowing for the establishment of charitable gambling events in the 1970s. These events, which included bingo and raffles, were initially limited to religious and charitable organizations, but the state eventually expanded the program to include other types of organizations as well.

In the 1980s, Nebraska further expanded its gambling offerings by allowing for the establishment of keno games in bars and restaurants throughout the state. Today, keno remains one of the most popular forms of gambling in Nebraska, generating millions of dollars in revenue each year.

In the early 1990s, several Indian tribes in Nebraska attempted to establish gaming operations on their lands, but these efforts were met with legal challenges and opposition from the state government. As of 2021, there are no federally recognized Indian gaming tribes in Nebraska.

In 2012, Nebraska voters approved a ballot initiative that authorized the creation of four casinos in the state. However, the state’s Supreme Court struck down the initiative the following year, citing constitutional issues with the language of the proposal.

Despite the setback, there continues to be interest in expanding gambling in Nebraska, with some lawmakers and advocates pushing for the state to legalize sports betting and other forms of gaming. However, these efforts have yet to gain significant traction in the state legislature.

Overall, the history of gambling in Nebraska is one of gradual expansion and legalization, punctuated by occasional setbacks and legal challenges. While the state has yet to fully embrace all forms of gambling, there remains a strong interest in the industry and the revenue it can generate for the state’s coffers.

Gambling Taxes in Nebraska

In Nebraska, all gambling winnings are subject to a state tax of 5.5%. This tax applies to all types of gambling winnings, including those from casinos, racetracks, and lottery games.

For example, if you win $1,000 at a Nebraska casino, you would owe $55 in state taxes on those winnings. Similarly, if you win a $10,000 lottery prize, you would owe $550 in state taxes.

It is important to note that gambling losses can be used to offset gambling winnings for tax purposes. This means that if you lose money while gambling, you can deduct those losses from your taxable winnings, potentially reducing your overall tax liability.

If you have gambling winnings that are subject to Nebraska taxes, you will need to report those winnings on your state income tax return. This includes both winnings earned within the state and winnings earned outside of Nebraska that are subject to Nebraska taxes.

When filing your state tax return, you will need to complete Schedule I, which is the form used to report all types of income subject to Nebraska tax. On this form, you will report your total gambling winnings and any losses you have incurred. The form will automatically calculate your tax liability based on your winnings and losses.

It is important to keep accurate records of your gambling activity, including all wins and losses, as well as any receipts or other documentation related to those activities. This will help you accurately report your gambling income and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of taxes.

In conclusion, if you are a Nebraska resident who enjoys gambling, it is important to understand your tax obligations and how to properly report your gambling winnings and losses. By keeping accurate records and completing the necessary forms when filing your state taxes, you can ensure that you are in compliance with Nebraska’s gambling tax laws.

Nebraska Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at Nebraska casinos before being taxed?

In Nebraska, all gambling winnings are subject to state taxes, regardless of the amount. This means that you must pay taxes on all of your gambling winnings, no matter how small they may be. The state tax rate on gambling winnings is 5.5%.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Nebraska?

If you feel that you have a gambling problem and want to ban yourself from Nebraska casinos, you can do so by completing a self-exclusion form. This form is available from the Nebraska Gaming Commission or from any of the state’s licensed casinos. Once you have completed the form, you will be banned from all casinos in the state for a period of time that you specify.

Who regulates gambling in Nebraska?

Gambling in Nebraska is regulated by the Nebraska Gaming Commission, which is responsible for issuing licenses to casinos, racetracks, and other gambling establishments in the state. The Commission also oversees the operation of these establishments, ensuring that they comply with state regulations and operate fairly.

What is the minimum gambling age in Nebraska?

The minimum gambling age in Nebraska is 21 years old for all forms of gambling, including casinos, racetracks, and lottery games. Anyone under the age of 21 is not allowed to gamble in the state.

Can I gamble online in Nebraska?

No, online gambling is not currently legal in Nebraska. The state does not have any online gambling sites, and it is illegal to operate an online gambling business within the state.

What types of gambling are legal in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, the only types of gambling that are legal are those that are licensed and regulated by the state. This includes casinos, racetracks, and the state lottery. Other forms of gambling, such as sports betting and online gambling, are not currently legal in the state.

Can I deduct gambling losses on my taxes in Nebraska?

Yes, you can deduct gambling losses on your state income tax return in Nebraska. However, you must first report all of your gambling winnings on your return, and you can only deduct losses up to the amount of your winnings. This means that if you have more losses than winnings, you cannot use those losses to offset other types of income.