Harrah’s in Colombus, Nebraska will be the state’s first ‘permanent’ casino to open in May

There are currently three temporary casinos in Nebraska and the state has proved that gambling is profitable. Soon, residents in Nebraska will have their first “permanent” casino set to open in May. It will be Harrash’s in Columbus. This a massive milestone for the casino and gambling industry that’s still growing.

The target date for Harrah’s Columbus to open is May 13. That was approved last week by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. Harrah’s in Columbus will be a 17,000-square-foot casino with 400 slot machines and 11 live table games including craps and roulette. Additionally, will feature the state’s only one-mile horse track. That is scheduled to open in mid-August.

Harrah’s Columbus general manager Don Osert is excited about the casino’s opening

Nebraska’s first permanent casino is opening in less than a month. Harrah’s in Columbus will be a state-of-the-art casino that will offer Ceaers sportsbooks along with a race track. Harrah’s Columbus general Mamager Don Osert said they hope to draw customers from the other four brick-and-mortar casinos in Nebraska. They include Norfolk, Grand Island, Omaha, and Lincoln.

Columbus Mayor James Bulkley said the city is “very excited to see it get started and become part of the community” regarding their first permanent casino opening in less than a month. Developers of the new casino have used Columbus’s history in the casino. Their sports bar is being named “Wishbone”. That was the name of the venue and Mayor Bulkley believes people will recognize the name and appreciate the nostalgia.

Three more permanent casinos will open within the next calendar year in Nebraska

Warhorse gaming officials are expected to open a brand new casino at Horseman’s Park in Omaha in early August. It will open with 900 gaming positions including table games. A second phase of this casino will happen next spring and will add another 400 gaming positions, a smoking area, and additional dining options. In November, the Warhorse Casino in Lincoln is expected to open. Additionally, the new $100 million Grand Island Casino Resoirt will open in the first quarter of 2025.

Casino-style gambling and horse racing were approved in November 2020. About three and a half years later, the state’s first permanent casino is set to open next month. The casino and gambling industry will only continue to grow in Nebraska.