WarHorse Casino in Lincoln, Nebraska, celebrated its expansion on Monday as the ribbon was cut to mark a new beginning for the gaming facility. In addition to 10 new table games and 400 slot machines, the whole southside has been upgraded for guests.

“The entire southside is a new simulcast and sportsbook area,” said Lynne McNally, CEO of Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (NHBPA), in an interview with KLIN News.

“It’s got luxury seating, it has tons of tables and as many tv monitors as you can fit in one large room.”

WarHorse Casino in Lincoln has now increased its total number of slots from about 400 to 830 machines

The NHBPA owns three horse racetracks in Omaha, Lincoln, and South Sioux City. Nebraska voters authorized state-licensed racetracks to become casinos through a statewide ballot referendum in 2020.

As a result, the NHBPA partnered with Ho-Chunk and WarHorse to develop the tracks into racinos.

The casino’s expansion brings the total number of slots from about 400 to 830 machines. Ten table games offer classic card games that guests wouldn’t be able to play via slots.

More than 100 simulcast screens have also been added for gamblers within the extra space.

Guests will be able to play classic games like blackjack, craps, mini-baccarat, and roulette

Furthermore, McNally says casino management has been pushing for nearly a dozen new table games for a long time. She told KLIN News that patrons have been waiting two years for the opportunity to play popular games like blackjack, mini-baccarat, and roulette.

“They told me that it’s great that you’ve got the slot machines and flashing lights, but I don’t want to press a button. I want to sit down, use strategy and see what I can do. It’s a lot more fun for me.”

Additionally, McNally says in January the casino will be adding craps tables. New table games and slot machines is a step in the right direction.

When WarHorse first opened in September 2022, it offered only slot machines and sports betting.

WarHorse Casino will now be able to move forward on to the third and final phase of construction, which will include a 135,000-square-foot gaming floor and four new restaurants.

The final task of the project is the construction of a new 200-room hotel.