Find your next gaming destination in Omaha. This guide covers locations, available games like slots and poker, and amenities at casinos in and around Omaha, NE.

Omaha Nebraska Casino Guide Your Best Bets for Gaming and Entertainment

For visitors seeking premier gaming action in the heart of the Midwest, the most direct route to a full-scale resort experience is Harrah's Council Bluffs, located just across the Missouri River from the metropolitan center. This establishment offers over 500 slot machines, including popular titles like Dragon Link and Buffalo Chief, alongside a dedicated World Series of Poker room. Its hotel features over 250 rooms, providing a convenient stay-and-play option complete with on-site dining at 360 Steakhouse, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline.

Alternatively, the Horseshoe Council Bluffs presents a larger gaming floor with more than 1,300 slot and video poker machines. This venue is known for its extensive table game selection, featuring craps with 100x odds, baccarat, and pai gow poker. The facility is directly connected to the Mid-America Center, making it a prime spot for those attending events or conferences. Its recent integration into the Caesars Rewards program allows patrons to accumulate and redeem points across a vast network of properties.

Within the city limits itself, WarHorse Gaming at Horsemen's Park is the newest entrant, marking the first gaming establishment of its kind on the western side of the river. While its initial phase focuses on a significant number of slot machines, plans for expansion include live table games and a hotel. This location provides a distinct advantage for those preferring not to cross state lines, offering a modern facility with a focus on electronic gaming directly accessible from the 680 interstate.

Casinos in Omaha, Nebraska

For visitors seeking gaming entertainment near the largest city in the Cornhusker State, the primary destination is WarHorse Gaming located at the Horsemen’s Park racetrack. This establishment offers a selection of over 400 slot machines, featuring both traditional reel games and modern video slots. Betting limits are designed to accommodate a wide range of players, with minimums often starting at one cent. While table games are not yet available, the facility plans to expand its offerings. https://mystery-egg-surprise.casino can find food and beverage services directly on the gaming floor, providing convenience during play.

Another significant option is Harrah's Council Bluffs, situated just across the Missouri River in Iowa. This venue presents a more extensive selection with over 500 slot machines and a variety of electronic and live table games. Blackjack, craps, and roulette are staple offerings. The poker room there operates with regular tournaments and cash games. Its location makes it a short drive for anyone in the metropolitan area. Caesars Rewards members can earn and redeem points at this property. Dining choices include a steakhouse and more casual fare.

Ameristar Council Bluffs provides a different atmosphere with its riverboat-themed building. It features a large gaming floor with hundreds of slots and video poker machines. The table game area includes variants of poker like Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold'em alongside blackjack and roulette. This location is also part of a larger entertainment complex with a hotel and multiple restaurants. Its proximity to the city center makes it easily accessible for a quick trip or an extended stay.

Horseshoe Council Bluffs completes the trio of major gaming establishments on the Iowa side. It boasts a significant number of electronic gaming machines and a robust table game section. The property is known for its World Series of Poker (WSOP) circuit events, attracting serious poker players from the region. The venue includes several dining options, from quick bites to upscale restaurants, and regularly hosts live music and other events. It is directly connected to the Mid-America Center, a hub for concerts and conventions.

Comparing Gaming Options and Amenities at WarHorse Casino and Harrah's Council Bluffs

For players focused on the latest slot machines, WarHorse Lincoln presents a more modern experience with over 430 terminals, including newer titles and electronic table game simulations. If your preference is for live table action, Harrah's Council Bluffs is the definitive choice. This established gaming hub across the river provides traditional live dealer games like blackjack, craps, and roulette, which are currently absent from the WarHorse facility.

Gaming Selection Breakdown

WarHorse Lincoln's floor is exclusively dedicated to slot-style video lottery terminals (VLTs). Players find a high concentration of contemporary video reel machines and popular themed games. The venue also features simulcast horse racing wagering, a key differentiator for equestrian enthusiasts. Harrah's Council Bluffs offers a more traditional gaming floor. Its selection includes over 500 slot machines, ranging from classic three-reel formats to multi-line video slots. The main attraction remains its live poker room and the variety of active table games unavailable at its Lincoln counterpart.

Amenities and Dining Comparison

Dining at WarHorse is streamlined, centered around the Big Red Keno Restaurant, offering casual American fare directly adjacent to the gaming area. This setup is designed for quick meals between plays. Harrah's Council Bluffs provides a broader spectrum of dining experiences. Patrons can choose from the upscale 360 Steakhouse, offering panoramic city views, to more casual options like Slice Pizzeria and a buffet. For overnight stays, Harrah's is a full-service hotel with hundreds of rooms and suites, a feature WarHorse Lincoln will not offer until its full resort development is complete. Harrah's also integrates with the Caesars Rewards program, a nationwide loyalty system offering tiered benefits, which is a significant advantage for frequent gamblers.

Navigating Legal Age Requirements and Responsible Gaming Resources in the Omaha Area

You must be at least 21 years of age to enter any gaming floor or wager at any state-regulated gambling establishment in the metropolitan area. This age restriction is strictly enforced, with mandatory government-issued photo identification checks at all points of entry. Accepted forms of ID include a valid driver's license, state-issued identification card, military ID, or passport. Attempting to use a fraudulent ID carries significant legal penalties. The minimum age for participating in the state lottery or pari-mutuel horse race wagering remains 19.

Support Systems for Problem Gambling

Direct assistance is available through the Nebraska Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-833-BET-OVER (1-833-238-6837). This confidential, 24/7 service connects callers with trained counselors. For those preferring text-based support, texting 402-800-2220 provides immediate contact. The Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling offers a self-exclusion program. Individuals can voluntarily add their names to a list, which legally prohibits them from collecting any winnings and subjects them to removal from all state-licensed gaming facilities. Forms for this program are obtainable directly from the gaming commission's official website or at the physical locations of the gambling venues.

Local and Online Resources

Area residents can access local counseling services specializing in gambling addiction. The Kim Foundation maintains a directory of certified mental health professionals throughout the eastern part of the state. Additionally, chapters of Gamblers Anonymous (GA) hold regular meetings in the region. Meeting schedules and locations are listed on the official Gamblers Anonymous website, providing peer-led support networks. For financial guidance, non-profit credit counseling agencies offer budgeting workshops and debt management plans tailored to individuals facing monetary difficulties resulting from gambling.

Planning Your Visit: Transportation, Parking, and Nearby Accommodations for Casino Guests

For direct access to the gaming establishments, driving is the most practical method. Both Harrah's Council Bluffs and Ameristar Council Bluffs are located just across the Missouri River from the city center, easily reachable via I-480 or I-80.

Getting There and Parking Details

• Harrah's Council Bluffs Hotel & Stir Cove: Located at 1 Harrah's Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA. Access is straightforward from I-29, taking Exit 53A. The property offers extensive free self-parking in a large surface lot and a multi-level garage. Valet service is also available for a fee.


• Ameristar Council Bluffs: Situated at 2200 River Rd, Council Bluffs, IA. Take I-29 to the 23rd Avenue exit. This location provides a complimentary multi-story parking structure with direct, covered access to the entertainment floor. Free valet parking is a standard amenity for hotel guests and certain loyalty program members.


• Horseshoe Council Bluffs: Found at 2701 23rd Ave, Council Bluffs, IA. It shares the same exit from I-29 as Ameristar. Guests will find a sizable, free surface parking lot surrounding the building. Valet services are offered at the main entrance.


• Rideshare & Taxi Services: Uber and Lyft operate extensively in the metropolitan area, offering a convenient alternative to driving. A typical ride from the Old Market district to the Council Bluffs entertainment complexes costs between $15 and $25, depending on demand and time of day. Local taxi companies, like Happy Cab, are another reliable option.

Nearby Lodging Options

Beyond the integrated hotels at Harrah's and Ameristar, several other lodging choices are within a five-minute drive.

1. Courtyard by Marriott Council Bluffs: Positioned at 2501 Bass Pro Drive, this hotel is adjacent to the Horseshoe. It offers modern rooms and is a popular choice for visitors seeking familiar brand standards.


2. Hilton Garden Inn Council Bluffs: Located at 2702 Mid America Drive, it's a short distance from all three gaming venues. This option features an on-site restaurant and indoor pool.


3. My Place Hotel-Council Bluffs/Omaha East: At 2281 S 35th St, this hotel provides apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes, suitable for longer stays or for visitors who prefer to prepare their own meals.


4. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Council Bluffs: Found at 3216 Plaza View Drive, it offers all-suite accommodations with extra space, making it a good fit for groups or families.