Grand Island Casino to begin expansion in May

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Changes are on the way for the Grand Island Casino Resort.

The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission approved a request by the central Nebraska casino to expand their temporary casino building, located inside the Fonner Park concourse.

They were granted approval as long as contingencies were met, such as building permits along with others.

Construction on the building is set to take place after horse racing season, which is expected to end on May 20.

The casino plans to add 40 slot machines, six blackjack tables, a craps tables and a roulette table.

“Most importantly for our guests is that we will have bathrooms on the casino floor, which is one of our largest concerns with our guests,” said Grand Island Casino Resort General Manager Vince Fiala. “It’s that they don’t have to leave the floor and come back on, so that will be a big plus for our guests.”

With the expansion will come more seating for the restaurant, a larger food and alcohol service area and a new stage for guests entertainment needs.

The expansion should take about a month to complete with goal of having table games go live on July 1.

The casino is currently looking for applicants for their dealers school to work the tables.

“We have been well accepted in the community,” said Fiala. “We love being here in Grand Island.”

He said the revenue and number of visitors is what they thought it would be. He added that the need to grow will allow them to “give people the opportunity to have a full casino resort experience in the temporary casino.”