Caesars Opens First Phase Of Nebraska Casino

Columbus Casino, Caesars Entertainment’s temporary gaming facility in Columbus, Nebraska, opened Monday at Platte County Ag Society Park.

While construction is underway on the permanent Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino, the temporary casino hosts more than 250 slot machines. In addition, gamblers can bet on horse racing at Ag Park’s already existing simulcast at Columbus Casino.

Leadership from Caesars Entertainment was on-site Monday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially welcome the temporary casino’s first players.

“Opening the Columbus Casino is a huge milestone for us in the Harrah’s Columbus project,” said Don Ostert, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino. “With the tremendous support from the community of Columbus, we’re proud to open our doors and welcome guests to the temporary facility for the first time.”

The Columbus Casino will be part of Caesars Entertainment’s rewards network.

Harrah’s Columbus is being built in partnership with Columbus Exposition and Racing and will offer the longest thoroughbred racetrack in the state.

The full-scale casino is expected to feature a 28,000-square-foot gaming floor and sportsbook with more than 500 slot machines and 14 table games. A poker room wasn’t mentioned in the plans.

Nebraska is a new arrival into the world of commercial casino gambling.

The Nebraska State Racing & Gaming Commission is responsible for the oversight of gaming within the state. The Commission released the final draft of casino gaming regulations in November 2021, while they released their final sports wagering regulations in October 2022 as part of their efforts to regulate and enforce legalized gaming within the state.

In November 2020, following the passage of ballot initiatives, Nebraska voters approved casino gaming at licensed racetracks within the state.

A Marriot Fairfield Inn and Townplace Suites will be built next door with a walkway connected directly to the new Caesars casino.

The property is expected to be complete in the first half of 2024.

Under Nebraska law, individuals must be at least 21 years of age to participate in any game of chance or use any gaming device at the state’s forthcoming racetrack casinos.