The South Sioux Metropolis gaming panorama is about for a big shake-up as Ho-Chunk, Inc. unveils plans to construct a brand-new on line casino within the space. The corporate, which has been increasing its footprint in Nebraska since adjustments to the state’s structure in 2020, goals to launch its newest mission on two 40-acre parcels south of Freeway 20.
Plans to relocate horse racing and broaden gaming choices:
Ho-Chunk’s bold initiative builds on Nebraska’s constitutional modification 4 years in the past that legalized horse racing, paving the best way for on line casino growth. Whereas the corporate’s subsidiary, Warhorse Gaming, focuses on launching initiatives in Omaha and Lincoln, consideration now shifts to South Sioux Metropolis.
Building on the $50 million growth is about to start in spring 2025, with an preliminary give attention to relocating the Atokad horse racing monitor. The east facet of the 80-acre website will home the brand new monitor, whereas the on line casino itself will occupy the west parcel.
As KTIV 4 reviews, Ho-Chunk Inc. CEO Lance Morgan described the dimensions of the mission, stating, “We’re (Ho-Chunk) nonetheless form of finalizing the draft, however it’ll be a modest on line casino by most requirements.” As soon as accomplished, the power will characteristic a horse racing monitor, slot machines and desk video games, a sportsbook for sports activities betting, and growth potential to incorporate a resort sooner or later.
Balancing competitors and group affect:
The mission introduces a brand new gaming competitor to the native market, although Morgan emphasised that the corporate’s evaluation suggests it would primarily compete with current casinos like Sioux Metropolis’s Laborious Rock slightly than different tribal entities. “We don’t actually need to harm WinnaVegas. Our research reveals us that a lot of the income will come from the Laborious Rock,” he defined.
Earlier than the on line casino can open, Ho-Chunk might want to convert its present horse racing license right into a full on line casino license. The positioning’s proximity to native faculties raises some considerations, however Morgan highlighted the substantial financial and group advantages the mission will carry.
“Twenty-five p.c of the on line casino tax goes to the native metropolis and county and so it’ll be an extra income supply to native governments to spend money on faculties and infrastructure in the neighborhood,” mentioned Morgan.
Ho-Chunk’s on line casino mission is predicted to generate thousands and thousands in new tax income for each South Sioux Metropolis and Dakota County. Morgan additionally identified that the event will create new employment alternatives, benefiting the native workforce in the course of the building and operation phases.
Whereas building might begin as early as fall 2025 or spring 2026, there is no such thing as a official opening date but. As soon as full, the mission guarantees to reinforce the area’s gaming choices whereas contributing considerably to native financial development.
