Caesars Entertainment, Inc., on Friday said Columbus Exposition and Racing, Inc., (CER) has selected Caesars to build and operate a Harrah’s casino and racetrack in Columbus, Nebraska.
Created in 2013, CER is a not-for-profit entity that is dedicated to the future of horse racing in Columbus and Nebraska.
The two parties said the approximately $75m casino development, which will be located off Highway 81 in Columbus, is expected to feature a new, one-mile horse racing surface, a 40,000-square-foot-casino and sportsbook with more than 400 slot machines and 20 table games, as well as a restaurant and retail space.
The property is expected to be complete in late 2022.
“We are excited to welcome Harrah’s to Nebraska,” Tom Jackson, managing partner of CER, said in a statement. “When looking for a casino operator partner, Harrah’s brand recognition and established code of commitment to its employees, customers and the communities in which they operate proved an easy selection. In addition, their superior rewards program and marketing team, high-performing entertainment network and best-in-class gaming experience check all the right boxes for this partnership.”
Jackson said the racino will be a new entertainment destination for the Midwest, and the partnership of CER with Caesars,“will be an important economic driver and job creator for Columbus and the surrounding communities. It also further reinforces our commitment to the hardworking people involved in the Nebraska horse racing industry. We look forward to providing new gaming and entertainment experiences to our valued customers.”
Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, added, “When Nebraska voters opened up gaming at racetracks, we knew that our experience in the casino industry, combined with our commitment to horse racing, made Harrah’s a perfect fit. We look forward to creating an all-new Harrah’s experience in Columbus and connecting it to our Caesars Rewards network across the country.”
Joe Morris, SVP of Racing at Caesars Entertainment, said, “Beyond the onset of casino gaming in Nebraska, we are thrilled with the opportunity to transform horse racing in Columbus. The opportunity to build a new, first-class track at our property illustrates our commitment to the racing industry and our intent to carry on the area’s storied racing tradition.”
According to CER, live horse racing has been part of the Columbus community for more than 75 years. CER board members Tom Jackson, Dan Clarey, Russell Placzek, Chad Sucha and Dennis Hall have operated live racing and simulcasting at Ag Park since 2013. They said Columbus and surrounding counties continue to support live racing with blanket races sponsored by local businesses, class reunions and memorials.
Caesars Entertainment is the largest casino-entertainment company in the US and one of the world’s most diversified casino-entertainment providers. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, in 1937, Caesars has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions. The company’s resorts operate primarily under the Caesars, Harrah’s, Horseshoe and Eldorado brand names.
