GRAND ISLAND, NE — Central Nebraska’s first casino has state approval and will open within the week.

On Wednesday, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission granted Grand Island Casino Resort and Fonner Park a casino operator license and approved the facility’s operating hours.

The temporary casino will open on Tuesday at noon following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It will be the second casino to open in Nebraska, following WarHorse Casino in Lincoln.

“We are excited to partner with Fonner Park, which held its first race almost 70 years ago. It’s very fitting that our temporary casino surrounds the Racing Hall of Fame starting a new chapter in Fonner history” Elite Casino Resorts CEO Dan Kehl said in a news release. “I thank the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission for their leadership and diligence in the process and approval of our application and look forward to a long future between Elite Casino Resorts, Fonner Park, and Grand Island.”

The temporary casino is on the Fonner Park concourse and features about 300 slot machines, horse betting kiosks and a snack bar. It will be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and will stay open until 3:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

“My mission is to provide for the horses, horsemen, staff and the guests of Fonner Park. The introduction of casino revenue puts us on a path of regenerating a once thriving Thoroughbred racing industry in Nebraska,” Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak said.

The temporary casino will operate until the full resort is completed. Construction on the full resort will start after the conclusion of the 2023 Nebraska State Fair. It will feature 650 slot machines, 20 table games, a sports book, multiple dining options and a boutique hotel.

General Manager Vince Fiala told NCN last week that the casino already employs 100 people. He expects 300 people to work there when the full resort is complete.