Construction Launches on WarHorse Gaming Resort Next to Atokad Downs in South Sioux City

WarHorse Gaming, a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, has officially started work on its third gaming property in the state, a $100 million casino and hospitality resort situated right beside the Atokad Downs racetrack in South Sioux City. The project comes after Nebraska legalized racetrack casinos, and crews have already moved equipment onto the site to begin the first phase of building.

Officials from the tribe and the company confirmed that the resort will feature approximately 600 slot machines along with 16 table games, while also preserving live and simulcast horse racing at the existing track. Plans call for a 100-room hotel, a dedicated sportsbook, multiple dining options, and entertainment spaces that will open in coordinated stages once construction milestones are reached.

Project Scope and Key Components

The development integrates gaming with hospitality and racing under one footprint, creating a multi-purpose destination that combines the racetrack operations with new casino amenities. Construction teams are focusing first on foundational work and structural elements for the gaming floor and hotel tower, while later phases will add the sportsbook area and restaurant venues. This phased approach allows portions of the property to become operational before the entire complex reaches completion.

Data from the announcement shows the total investment reaches $100 million, covering everything from slot and table game installation to hotel construction and site improvements around the existing racetrack. The layout keeps the horse racing facilities intact while expanding the overall entertainment offerings available to visitors.

Location Advantages and Integration with Existing Racetrack

South Sioux City provides a strategic spot because of its proximity to the Iowa border and established transportation routes that already serve Atokad Downs. Placing the new resort directly adjacent to the racetrack allows shared infrastructure and easier transitions between live racing events and casino activities. Observers note that this adjacency reduces the need for separate parking and access roads, streamlining the overall site plan.

Project documents indicate that the hotel will offer 100 rooms designed to accommodate overnight guests attending racing meets or using the gaming facilities. The sportsbook component will handle both live and simulcast wagering tied to the horse racing calendar, while additional restaurants and entertainment spaces aim to extend visitor stays throughout the day and evening.

Timeline and Phased Operations

Work on the site began in earnest following the official groundbreaking announcement, with initial phases targeting the core casino building and hotel structure. Subsequent stages will bring online the remaining amenities, including expanded food and beverage outlets plus entertainment venues, once the primary structures are weather-tight and systems are installed. Company statements emphasize that operations will roll out progressively rather than all at once to match construction progress and regulatory approvals.

According to the project outline, the 600 slot machines and 16 table games form the centerpiece of the gaming floor, supported by the horse racing offerings that already operate at Atokad Downs. This combination creates a continuous cycle of activity that draws from both gaming enthusiasts and racing fans without requiring separate facilities.

Regulatory Context and Tribal Economic Development

The initiative follows Nebraska's legalization of racetrack casinos, which opened the door for WarHorse Gaming to expand beyond its existing properties in the state. Ho-Chunk Inc. has positioned the South Sioux City location as the third such development, building on prior experience with similar projects while adapting to local zoning and licensing requirements. State regulatory bodies continue to oversee compliance as construction advances through each phase.

Figures released with the announcement place the total capital commitment at $100 million, reflecting investments in both gaming technology and hospitality infrastructure. The integration of live horse racing with slot and table game operations requires coordinated scheduling to ensure racing events and casino floor access remain synchronized throughout the year.

Conclusion

WarHorse Gaming's start of construction on the South Sioux City resort marks a measurable step forward in the company's Nebraska expansion following the state's racetrack casino legislation. The $100 million project will deliver 600 slots, 16 table games, a 100-room hotel, sportsbook, and supporting venues in phases, all located next to the Atokad Downs racetrack. As work progresses through 2026, the phased opening schedule will determine when each element becomes available to the public, with regulatory oversight guiding the timeline from initial groundwork to full operations.