Operator News
Caesars to open first permanent casino in Nebraska when Harrah’s Columbus opens on May 13
By Phil - 24 April 2024
The $100m Harrah’s Columbus will open on May 13 having been given the green light by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, making it the first fully completed casino in the state.
Officially called Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino, the gaming property has been developed by Caesars Entertainment. Alongside a new one-mile horse racecourse, the only one-miler in the Cornhusker State, Harrah’s will offer a small casino covering 17,000 square feet offering 400 slot machines, 11 table games, a Caesars Sportsbook, a craft beer spot called Brew Brothers, and a sports bar called Wishbones. A race book with pari-mutuel wagering is also opening, though live racing won’t begin until August. A Marriott hotel will also open at the same time as the casino.
“We’re definitely excited to open the first permanent casino in the state,” said Don Ostert, Harrah’s Columbus general manager.
Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission Chair Dennis Lee said: “This is a big deal.”
Columbus Mayor James Bulkey added: “We are very excited to see it get started and become part of the community. The location where it is used to be called Wishbones, and it was a venue for years for entertainment, and so people recognize that name, and they have kept that name for the sports bar.”
The casino will replace the temporary casino inside Platte County Agricultural Park which has been open since June 2023. Harrah’s Columbus is one of four permanent casinos being built.
