Caesars Entertainment is a household name in Las Vegas and the entire state of Nevada. The gaming and entertainment giant has also established a strong business presence in other major casino gambling markets.
The company recently revealed its latest plans for expansion in the state of Nebraska. In conjunction with Columbus Exposition and Racing, Caesars has plans to build a casino and racetrack in that city. The gaming venue will be branded as Harrah’s. Columbus is 80 miles north of Lincoln.
Tom Jackson is a managing partner with Columbus Exposition and Racing. He had the following thoughts on this new partnership:
“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.”
He went on to add:
“In addition, their superior rewards program and marketing team, a high-performing entertainment network, and best-in-class gaming experience check all the right boxes for this partnership.”
The new facility will be located off Highway 81. It will include a 40,000 square-foot casino with 400 slot machines and 20 gaming tables.
The horse racing track will feature a one-mile oval. There will also be a retail sportsbook, full-service restaurant, and additional retail space. The project’s completion is expected to be sometime late in 2022.
As CEO of Caesars Entertainment, Tom Reeg added the following insight:
“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. 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 gave his approval to LB 561 towards the end of May. This piece of legislation cleared the way for casino gaming. It also created the regulatory body for legal sports betting in the state.
In light of the fact that online sports betting was not part of LB 561, the retail sportsbook at Harrah’s should become a primary attraction for avid sports bettors.
Harrah’s will be one of three brand new land-based casinos in the Nebraska gaming market. WarHorse Gaming has already revealed its plans to build casinos in Lincoln and Omaha. One must wonder how online platforms like FanDuel Casino will keep up with the competition.
The Lincoln venue has a project cost of $220 million. Targeting 2023 for completion, this would have a much more expansive casino gaming floor with 1,200 slots. The plan calls for a 196-room hotel, multiple dining options, meeting space, entertainment, and a spa.
The casino project in Omaha is also larger in scale at a total cost of $200 million. This casino floor would also have 1,200 slots along with multiple gaming tables. There would be live and simulcast horse racing at the racetrack.
The sportsbook would offer a full-service sports bar and there would be a venue for live entertainment. Additional dining options and a central bar area are part of the plan. The timeline for the completion of this project is September of 2022.
