Operator News
US – First live table games are confirmed in Nebraska with Grand Island Casino expansion
By Phil - 21 August 2023
The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission has given the green light to the Grand Island Casino Resort to operate craps, roulette and other table games, in what has been described as an ‘historic’ moment.
The casino has already started training dealers for one craps table, one roulette table, five blackjack tables, one Texas Hold ‘em table and an additional 46 slot machines, taking the casino’s total to 337.
The Commission has also allowed the casino to offer sports betting, making the second racetrack-casino in Nebraska to offer sports betting which is expected later this month.
Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission Chairman Dennis Lee said of the table gaming approval: “This is historic.”
Elite Casino Resorts, the owner of the casino, said it was ‘thrilled to announce the opening of live table games in the State of Nebraska.’
“We are absolutely excited to bring the first live table games to Nebraska and to our valued Grand Island Casino guests,” said Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts, the parent company of the Grand Island Casino. “This expansion to the temporary casino is driven by listening to our guests and our commitment to providing top-notch entertainment experiences. We are also eager to start construction on our permanent facility in October and begin the next phase of this multi-million-dollar development in Grand Island.”
Chris Kotulak, CEO of Fonner Park, also expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “This is an important moment for the horse racing community, Grand Island and the entire state of Nebraska. The addition of live table games, expanded menu offerings and live entertainment on the weekends at the Grand Island Casino adds a new layer of entertainment to our community and offers a unique experience for both local residents and visitors.”
“It is also another step in the process of rejuvenating the Nebraska Thoroughbred racing industry and the agriculture industry that accompanies it.”
Coming next week prior to college football season, the expanded casino area will also feature retail and kiosk sports being via the ELITE Sportsbook which allows guests to wager on their favourite college and professional teams onsite.
Sharon Haselhoff, regional vice president of the casino’s owners Elite Casino Resorts, said: “Our expanded dining area will be a Draft Day restaurant, which will serve lunch and dinner every day of the week, and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday to get that sports wagering crowd early.”
Ms Haselhoff added: “We hope to open the Elite Sportsbook with two kiosks and two sports windows to bet in person.”
The Commission has also allowed an expansion of what sports are offered with the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup tournaments now on the list along with horseracing and World Boxing Association activities as well.
