Caesars Plans To Build Harrah’s Casino, Racetrack In Nebraska

Caesars Entertainment will build and operate a Harrah's casino and racetrack in Columbus, Nebraska, the gaming company and city have announced.

The facility is projected to cost about $75 million and built off Highway 81 in Columbus, a city about 80 miles north of Lincoln.

"We are excited to welcome Harrah's Casino to Nebraska," said Tom Jackson, managing partner of Columbus Exposition and Racing. "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."

Multifaceted complex

The complex is expected to feature a new one-mile horse racing surface, a 40,000-square-foot-casino and sportsbook with more than 400 slot machines and 20 table games, as well as a restaurant and retail space.

Completion date for the project is expected to be late 2022.

"When Nebraska voters opened up gaming at racetracks, we knew that our experience in the casino industry combined with our commitment to horse racing made Harrah's a perfect fit," said Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment. "We look forward to creating an all-new Harrah's experience in Columbus and connecting it to our Caesars Rewards network across the country."

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts signed LB 561, which allowed for casino gaming and set up the sports betting regulation process, into law in late May. Wagering on state college teams will not be allowed, and online sports betting sites are prohibited in the law.

More Nebraska casinos

The Columbus facility is one of several that is expected to open in Nebraska in the next couple of years.

WarHose Gaming is going to build a casino in Lincoln and in Omaha.

The Lincoln facility is expected to be completed by 2023 and cost $220 million. It will include more than 1,200 gaming stations, a 196-room hotel, event space, five or six restaurants and other amenities such as a spa.

The Omaha casino is expected to cost $200 million and feature 1,200 gaming machines, live and simulcast horse racing, gaming tables and a stage for live entertainment, as well as a sports bar, food hall, coffee shop and central bar area. It is expected to be completed by September 2022.