GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- What is now a temporary casino, will soon be transformed into a full-service resort at Grand Island’s Fonner Park. 
 

At a groundbreaking ceremony for the Grand Island Casino Resort on Wednesday, Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Johnson called Grand Island the perfect place for the $100 million project.

“We know that entertainment is more than just a break from our daily lives, it's an opportunity for us to gather," Johnson said. "Entertainment is a driving force for people that transcends ages, and background and beliefs. It brings people together and it causes interaction that might not otherwise take place.”

The new facility’s amenities will include 750 slot machines, 20 table games and a show lounge. The resort includes a 162-room hotel with a full-service salon and spa, an indoor-outdoor pool and more.

Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commision Commissioner Shane Greckel said the start of construction represents a look towards the future.

“Gaming is a new industry in Nebraska," Greckel said. "A new industry that’s also left it's impact, $12 million in tax receipts have already been through our system, $9 million of which go directly into the property tax credit relief fund, helping Nebraskans each and every day with property taxes.”

According to Elite Casino Resorts CEO Dan Kehl, the casino will double its employment to over 700 hundred people once it's operational. It will generate an estimated $75 million dollars in state and local taxes in the first five years of operations, $11 million of which will go to the city. 

Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak said the casino will have a tremendous impact on the city.

“The evolution of the casino industry in Nebraska, and specifically here in Grand Island, is really going to help this city grow even more as an entertainment destination,” Kotulak said.

The temporary casino will still be in service until the new facility opens.

The permanent casino resort is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025.