Summary
- The casino would be located in 174 acres of land near I-80.
- Officials plan on spending just under $100 million on the project.
- It would attract visitors from Colorado and Lake McConaughy.
Earlier this week, a plan for a new casino was unveiled in Nebraska.
A new project is in the works for the Ogallala area, set to offer a huge casino on 174 acres of land near Interstate 80. Named the Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack, the casino would be located near Lake McConaughy and would attract visitors in the area as well as from nearby Colorado.
Details on the Project
The new casino is the brainchild of Hastings Exposition and Racing and its partner Elite Casino Resorts who are also planning build a casino at Fonner Park, Grand Island. The deal includes a 5/8 mile racetrack and racing facilities, offering an additional betting section at the site.
The property will include a hotel with 180 guest rooms, allowing patrons to stay overnight. An events center and travel center will bring in clientele along with an RV park for travelers. The casino will feature traditional games and will be a tourist draw as well.
The project seems to have enough positive support behind it that it should be able to come to fruition. It will take some time and effort though before the area can become a new tourism destination for Nebraska.
Quarter Horse Race Growth
While most states are shying away from horse racing, Nebraska is diving in deep. The new casino and racetrack will help to grow the industry in the northern portion of the state. And enhance the area as a destination for tourism.
The partners in the project have submitted a 2024 racing license application to the state Racing and Gaming Commission. The license was submitted yesterday, and the brand wants to move its services to the new Ogallala location.
The goal is to grow multi-track Quarter Horse racing in the state. Hastings Exposition and Racing has been offering racing services at FairPlay Park since 2004. This location is in Hastings. The team at Hastings would be in charge of the racetrack and racing at the new facility. The company has over 30 years of experience and wants to build in the new area.
With the new plan, the company would move its racing license to the western portion of the state. A racing circuit would be created in Keith County where Ogallala is located and Scotts Bluff County, with Gering. A second facility would be built in Gering.
The property in Ogallala would be home to a new testing and receiving barn, with 400 stalls. A paddock viewing area is also included along with state-of-the-art facilities to help the racing cause.
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