Operator News

US – Caesars reveals plans for Harrah’s Columbus

By Phil - 6 March 2023

Caesars Entertainment has revealed some of the details behind its future casino in Columbus, Nebraska with a smaller footprint, less table games but more slots than originally planned. It will also be home to a 1-mile horse track, which will be the longest in Nebraska. 

The Harrah’s casino and sportsbook will cover 28,000 square feet and house 500 slot machines and 14 table games along U.S. 81 on the northwest side of the city. It is expected to open in the first half of 2024. 

A community event at the Elks Country Club, saw executives unveil renderings for the Nebraska property. 

Todd Connelly, Regional President at Caesars Entertainment said: “We’re pleased to bring a brand-new destination to the great state of Nebraska. This is a huge milestone for the company, and we’ve been working hard to bring it to life. It’s a new jurisdiction for us, it connects Iowa and Colorado which we’re already in a new state to show off our brand and a new community for us to partner with to offer exclusive first-class entertainment. It’ll also help revive the horse racing industry in Nebraska.”

“There were only five tracks, five places with legacy tracks we could have a casino. CER picked us based on how we operate, our commitment to the Columbus community and first class operations,” he added.

Caesars Senior Vice President of Racing Joe Morris added: “Horse racing has been ingrained in the history of Columbus for decades. We’re thrilled to contribute to that history and bring an all-new, one-mile racetrack for the community to enjoy.”

A temporary casino will open in late spring 2023 with more than 200 slot machines. It already offers a simulcast offering where guests will have the ability to watch and bet on horse racing from around the world.