WarHorse Gaming Breaks Ground on South Sioux City Racino
WarHorse Gaming officially broke ground Thursday morning on its long-planned South Sioux City racino, launching a major new phase of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska's regional gaming expansion. Tribal leaders, city officials, and executives from Ho-Chunk Inc. gathered at 4501 G Street for the ceremony, marking the start of construction on what will become one of northeast Nebraska's largest entertainment developments.
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The South Sioux City project will feature 700 gaming positions, a Nebraska Ale Haus restaurant, and full integration with the newly completed Atokad Park horse track. The racino is being built across two 40-acre parcels south of Interstate 129, with the casino on the west parcel and the racetrack on the east.
WarHorse Gaming, a division of Ho-Chunk Inc., is developing the project as part of a broader, multi-property expansion across Nebraska. The company already operates WarHorse Lincoln and WarHorse Omaha, along with the Tribe's flagship WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.
Leadership Highlights Regional Impact
Ho-Chunk Inc. CEO Lance Morgan said the South Sioux City racino will strengthen the Tribe's long-term economic base while adding new jobs and tourism to the region. He noted that the project is expected to draw more revenue from Hard Rock Sioux City than from WinnaVegas, underscoring its strategic location directly across the river from downtown Sioux City.
Local officials highlighted the economic benefits as well. Under Nebraska's gaming tax structure, 25% of casino tax revenue stays within the community, supporting schools, infrastructure, and public services.
Construction Timeline
With the groundbreaking complete, full construction begins immediately. WarHorse Gaming expects the racino to open in 2027, following roughly 18 months of development. The project is part of a $300 million financing package Ho-Chunk Inc. secured to support expansions in Lincoln, Omaha, and South Sioux City.
A Milestone for Tribal Economic Growth
For the Winnebago Tribe, the South Sioux City racino represents another step in a decades-long effort to build tribally owned enterprises that reinforce sovereignty and create sustainable economic opportunities. WarHorse Gaming properties prominently feature tribal art and cultural elements, a tradition expected to continue at the new racino.
