Lake Mac Casino Resort opens in Ogallala with temporary casino and quarter horse races

OGALLALA, Neb. — A long-anticipated casino and racetrack is finally open in Western Nebraska, and it promises jobs, tourism and a boost to the local economy.

The Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack is officially open in Ogallala. The new, $31 million facility features over 300 slot machines, electronic table games and the Draft Day sports lounge, which offers sports betting, simulcast racing and full food service. The casino area is temporary. It will nearly double in size and add new amenities.

“We’ll look to add live table games next March, take out the electronic table games, give folks a little feel of live table action,” Regional Manager Sharon Haselhoff said. “When we get to the full resort, we’ll expand that. We’ll add convention center space and additional restaurants.”

Quarter horse racing also made its historic return to Nebraska. Three horse races took place Tuesday evening featuring competitors from across the Midwest. Casino executives say the grand opening brings an economic boost with it. It has provided 125 jobs so far and will offer 400 when it’s fully finished.

“The nice thing about a casino is it’s not a seasonal thing, it’s there all year long,” former state senator Ken Schilz said. “So it will help to spread out the numbers and bring more people in the offseason.”

“Ogallala is up and coming,” Schilz said. “Ogallala will be the place to be in western and central Nebraska.”

Elite Casino and Resorts owns and operates the casino. It also runs the Grand Island Casino Resort. Officials say the two locations represent an investment more than $250 million.