Columbus Exposition and Racing and Caesars Entertainment Inc. recently announced they will partner on a $75 million racino in Columbus, Nebraska at Ag Park.
The venue, expected to be completed in late 2022, will feature a 1-mile horse racetrack, 40,000-square-foot-casino with 400 slot machines and 20 table games, a sportsbook, restaurant and retail space, officials said. The budget includes resurfacing the 1-mile racecourse.
CER Managing Partner Tom Jackson said, “We are excited to welcome Harrah’s to Nebraska. When looking for a casino operator partner, Harrah’s brand recognition and established code of commitment to its employees, customers and the communities in which they operate proved an easy selection. In addition, their superior rewards program and marketing team, high-performing entertainment network and best-in-class gaming experience check all the right boxes for this partnership.”
He continued, “As we work to create a new entertainment destination for the Midwest, this partnership will be an important economic driver and job creator for Columbus and the surrounding communities. It also further reinforces our commitment to the hardworking people involved in the Nebraska horseracing industry. We look forward to providing new gaming and entertainment experiences to our valued customers.”
Caesars Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Tom Reeg added, “When Nebraska voters opened up gaming at racetracks, we knew that our experience in the casino industry combined with our commitment to horseracing made Harrah’s a perfect fit. We look forward to creating an all-new Harrah’s experience in Columbus and connecting it to our Caesars Rewards network across the country.”
Last November, Nebraska voters passed a ballot referendum initiative to legalize commercial gambling at the state’s six horse racetracks. Three of the tracks−Lincoln Race Course, Horsemen’s Park in Omaha and Atokad Downs in South Sioux City−have partnered with the Ho-Chunk subsidiary WarHorse Gaming for their casinos; WarHorse is planning to invest $220 million on the Lincoln casino alone. Fonner Park teamed with Elite Casino Resorts.
