The plan to open Nebraska’s first permanent racino is heading down the stretch.
Joe Dejka of the Omaha World-Herald reports that Harrah’s Columbus received approval from Nebraska regulators to open its permanent facility to the public as early as May 13.
The permanent racino (a horse racing track that also offers other kinds of gaming like slots and table games) will feature a fuller complement, including 400 slots, 11 gaming tables, and a Caesars-branded combination racebook/sportsbook. The track started offering limited slots and table games in a temporary facility last year.
The 17,000-square-foot facility will also feature a restaurant and offers Caesar’s sportsbook and racebook.
It’s all coming to fruition after Nebraska voters passed ballot Initiatives in 2020, permitting casino-style gambling at licensed horse tracks.
Even More Gambling Options on The Way
Live horse racing will not start at the site until at least Aug. 16. In the meantime, patrons should have access to simulcast wagering. Harrah’s Columbus will be the first to open in a permanent venue among as many as six racinos that Nebraska voters authorized in 2020.
The state’s three other casinos are open but in temporary facilities. According to construction schedules, all should be open by early next year.
An official stated that the new Warhorse casino in Lincoln, which is under construction next to the temporary facility, is set to open around Nov. 1. The new $100 million casino at Grand Island Casino Resort in Grand Island is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025.
Racino Expected to Draw From Outlying Areas
Columbus Mayor James Bulkley expressed the city’s excitement about the start of the project and its integration into the community.
He told the Omaha World-Herald that the developers wove some Columbus history into the casino. He also pointed out that the location, formerly known as Wishbones, served as an entertainment venue for years. People recognize that name, and the developers have decided to retain it for the sports bar.
Mayor Bulkley anticipates that the casino will attract visitors from Omaha. He noted that while the drive from downtown Omaha to Columbus might take nearly an hour and a half, the journey from west Omaha is closer to an hour.
Online Gambling Debate Continues in Nebraska
With the impending opening of the racino, there’s speculation about potential changes in Nebraska’s gambling landscape.
Nebraska’s legal online gambling options for real money are restricted. The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission does not issue licenses for online betting on equine or human sports. In the same vein, regulated online casino play is also prohibited by Nebraska’s regulatory authorities.
A recent poll found that the majority of Nebraskans would like legal online gambling, but it would require significant effort to change the current state laws. Most notably, an amendment to the Nebraska Constitution would be necessary to permit such gaming.
Some initial steps towards this change have already been taken. In February, a coalition of five gaming companies researched Nebraskans’ support for a potential amendment to the state’s constitution. This amendment would narrowly permit online betting on human sports.
Online Gaming Does Not Seem Imminent
Proponents of the gaming industry will likely start with online sports betting only. They will then push for the legalization of online casinos later. As brick-and-mortar racinos start to open their permanent facilities in Nebraska, gaming companies can now shift their focus to other concerns.
Eventually, this may involve legalizing online casino play. However, that point doesn’t seem to be coming soon.
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