The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission has greenlit the opening of Harrah’s Nebraska for next month, marking the first fully completed casino in the state. It is scheduled to open its doors at 10 am on May 13 and will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Dennis Lee, Chairman of the Racing and Gaming Commission, hailed the approval as significant, emphasizing the unanimous support behind the decision reached on Friday.
Spanning over 28,000 square feet, Harrah’s Nebraska boasts more than 500 slot machines, 14 table games, and a sportsbook accommodating 78 patrons with nine kiosks. The project, spearheaded by Caesars Entertainment, required about 14 months to reach fruition.
Commissioner Jeff Galyen underscored the necessity of synchronizing the casino’s opening with the inauguration of its accompanying race track. According to Nebraska regulations, a city must have a horse track to host a casino.
The revised approval by the Racing and Gaming Commission ensures that Columbus’ horse track will also commence operations on May 13. The city is poised to hold a 15-day race meet from August 16 to September 15.
Strategically located along U.S. 81 on the northwest side of Columbus, Harrah’s Nebraska supersedes its temporary predecessor at Ag Park, which has been operational since June.
While excitement brews in Columbus, updates on other gaming ventures in Nebraska were also provided during Friday’s session. Lynne McNally, CEO of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, shared progress reports on the WarHorse casinos in Lincoln and Omaha.
WarHorse Casino Omaha is eyeing an August 1 opening, according to McNally. Simultaneously, Phase II of WarHorse Casino Lincoln is on track for completion in October, promising an expanded gaming floor and enhanced amenities.
However, challenges loom as construction progresses. McNally acknowledged the delicate task of dismantling a wall within the Lincoln casino without disrupting ongoing simulcasting activities.
In a separate development, plans for the barn at Legacy Downs, affiliated with WarHorse Casino Lincoln, received unanimous approval. The barn, slated to begin construction next month, will accommodate 58 stalls, four feed rooms, eight tack rooms, and two washrooms.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/noticias/2024/04/23/71860-harrah-39s-columbus-set-to-become-first-fully-complete-casino-in-nebraska-next-month
