Ho-Chunk Inc. has broken ground on WarHorse South Sioux, a $100 million tribal casino development in South Sioux City, Nebraska.
The 63,000-square-foot project, located at 4501 G Street next to the Atokad Downs racetrack, will feature 600 slot machines, 16 table games, and a 100-room hotel.
The development is Ho-Chunk Inc.’s third major WarHorse casino project in Nebraska, following properties in Omaha and Lincoln. Company and city officials expect the project to create hundreds of jobs and generate millions of dollars in local tax revenue.
WarHorse South Sioux is being developed as an entertainment destination rather than a traditional casino. Plans include an outdoor concert venue, conference space, and a 5,700-seat amphitheater for concerts and community events.
The casino will also be built around a large sports bar, principal architect Ryan Johnson told KCAU. “We went with what we call the dark horse approach. So, kind of playing off the WarHorse design,” he said. “It’s going to be more of a darker atmosphere, really masculine, rusted steel, exposed steel structure- which is very unique for a casino property.”
Construction will take place in two phases, allowing parts of the property to open while work continues on the remainder of the development.
Lance Morgan, president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., said the project would incorporate windows, outdoor gathering areas, and other open-air features. He said the goal is to create a destination that attracts visitors whether or not they gamble.
The casino will be connected to the recently built Atokad racetrack, which is scheduled to host additional races this fall. Ho-Chunk Capital CEO Aaron Lapointe said the Atokad horse races will take place over the Labor Day weekend.
Ho-Chunk also owns about 20 acres of nearby land that could provide room for future expansion.
The project is expected to provide a significant economic boost to South Sioux City and the wider Siouxland region.
Morgan said the casino is expected to create about 230 jobs. City officials estimate the completed development will support more than 200 permanent positions, alongside hundreds of construction jobs during the two-year build.
Lori Warner, President of the South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce, said the development could benefit businesses throughout the community by bringing visitors to concerts, conferences, and other events. She expects visitors to spend money at local hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses, including people who may not otherwise visit the area.
Mayor Rod Koch said the project could also spur further development, including new housing, roads, and commercial projects around the casino.
Morgan said the casino is projected to generate about $40 million in revenue. He estimated the resulting tax revenue at around $9 million, with 25% of that amount split between the host city and county.
Under Nebraska law, 25% of gaming tax revenue from racetrack casinos is returned to local governments and divided between the host city and county. Koch estimated the city could receive between $2 million and $3 million annually through the arrangement, in addition to revenue generated by visitor spending.
Nebraska voters approved casino gambling at licensed horse racetracks through Initiative 431 in 2020, establishing a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue. Of the gaming tax revenue, 75% is allocated to property tax relief and other statewide priorities, while 25% goes to local governments.
Morgan said he helped draft the local revenue-sharing provision and noted that Iowa does not distribute casino tax revenue to host cities in the same way.
The project is being developed by Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development corporation of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, which owns the WarHorse brand. The tribe also owns WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.
Ho-Chunk’s WarHorse properties in Omaha and Lincoln have created about 850 gaming jobs, according to Morgan. The company employs about 2,300 people across its businesses.
Morgan expects the company’s gaming division to exceed 1,000 employees once WarHorse South Sioux opens. He said dealers typically earn between $60,000 and $65,000 annually.
Ho-Chunk also has a history of pursuing casino development in the Siouxland region. In 2013, the company was among the finalists for Sioux City’s first land-based casino, with Morgan leading its Warrior Entertainment proposal to revitalise the Warrior Hotel and Davidson Building. The plan included a rooftop bar that is now part of the renovated property.
The proposal was ultimately rejected by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which later awarded the casino licence to Hard Rock. Morgan has since criticised the decision, including through social media comments aimed at Hard Rock.
The WarHorse South Sioux casino is expected to be completed in 2027, with gaming operations targeted to begin later that year.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/09/02/126204-nebraska-hochunk-inc-breaks-ground-on-100m-warhorse-south-sioux-casino
