Caesars Entertainment, in conjunction with Columbus Exposition and Racing (CER), opened Harrah’s Casino at Ag Park located in Columbus, Nebraska. This is a temporary facility until construction is completed at the permanent site, located northwest of Columbus.
The casino is not only a new gaming destination but also paves the way for the future of Nebraska sports betting.
Open for Business
Last week, Harrah’s casino at Ag Park swung open its doors to the public, replete with 250 slot machines and electronic table games. It’s been a long time coming and it has become the third casino in the state.
Caesars Entertainment Regional President Todd Connelly said: “It’s been a long road from ‘where do you start a casino?’ – it has to go into this building at Ag (Park) and working out a deal with that group of great individuals from Columbus.
“Our design and construction teams (made) it happen (from a) facility that was just a bare building; now it’s an amazing casino.”
The permanent facility is slated to open in the spring of 2024 with a reported 28,000 square feet for its casino and sportsbook. The former will reportedly feature 500 slots and 14 table games while a one-mile racetrack will accompany the property. There will also be dining and fast food options added.
More Expansion
Harrah’s now joins WarHorse Lincoln and Grand Island Casino Resort in the race for Nebraska’s casino gambling dollars. In March, both War Horse and Grand Island generated approximately $1.55 million in taxes for the state based on their 20% tax rate on gaming profits.
Including a third casino will undoubtedly bring more tax revenue to the Cornhusker State but it should be noted Harrah’s is only about an hour and a half drive north from its two rivals. Therefore, it is logical to assume that some of the money feeding those casinos will filter north to Harrah’s, spreading the wealth but possibly diminishing the revenue at the two established, albeit temporary, casinos.
However, the War Horse Casino is eyeing a fall opening of its permanent casino while Grand Island is targeting a 2025 opening of its permanent facility. Both expansions will come with an increased number of slots and gaming tables which will boost revenues and tax collections for the state.
The tax disbursement numbers in February and March of this year from the War Horse and Grand Island are as follows:
Calculators
