A new $50 million casino development is planned for South Sioux City, Nebraska, near the former Atokad Downs racetrack. Ho-Chunk Inc. and WarHorse Gaming, subsidiaries of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, will develop the project.

The development will feature a new 5/8 mile racetrack and grandstand, located south of Interstate 129 and 152nd Street at C Avenue, approximately 1.2 miles east of the old Atokad Downs site. This marks the sixth and final casino authorized through Nebraska's 2020 gaming legislation.

Ho-Chunk CEO Lance Morgan describes it as a "modest casino," designed to complement the tribe's existing WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa. The project aims to revive horse racing in South Sioux City while introducing casino gaming, with most revenue expected to come from competing with Hard Rock Sioux City, Iowa.

The facility is part of Nebraska's broader gaming expansion, which allows gambling at licensed horse racetracks with live racing. The law aims to boost the state's horse racing industry and generate tax revenue for property tax relief. Dakota County and South Sioux City will receive 25% of the casino revenue tax.

Future expansion plans may include:

• Larger gaming space
• Hotel development
• Events center

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2025. The project follows Ho-Chunk's other successful ventures, including WarHorse Casino Lincoln and WarHorse Casino Omaha, which feature extensive gaming options and amenities. The tribe previously invested $6 million in the "Keep the Money in Nebraska" campaign that helped pass the 2020 casino referendum.

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