Nebraska Racing Archives

Caesars Entertainment marked its inaugural venture into Nebraska with the grand opening of Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino on Friday. The celebration featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways, and a warm reception from the Columbus community. To commemorate the opening, early guests received exclusive Harrah’s shirts and enjoyed the first spins on slot machines and table game wagers. The Caesars Race & Sportsbook also saw its first bets. Remarkably, the first jackpot hit at 10:14 a.m., with a fortunate guest winning $1,876 on Power Push. “We’re so proud to open the doors to Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino for the first time today,” stated Todd Connelly, Regional President of Caesars Entertainment. He added, “Harrah’s is an iconic brand that our guests have come to know and love across the country. We’re so happy to be here with our partners and friends as we celebrate what is sure to be a bright future in Nebraska.” Features and Amenities The casino spans 17,000 square feet and boasts 400 slot machines, 11 table games, and a Caesars Race & Sportsbook with a 2,100-square-foot sports betting area. This space includes 17 viewing screens and a 163-inch video wall, marking the first time Caesars Sportsbook has accepted sports wagers in Nebraska. Additionally, Harrah’s Columbus offers dining options such as Brew Brothers, a restaurant founded by the Carano family in 1995, and a bar named Wishbones. A Marriott Fairfield Inn and Townplace Suites, currently under construction, will soon connect directly to the casino, enhancing the guest experience. Horse Racing and Community Involvement In collaboration with Columbus Exposition and Racing, Harrah’s Columbus Nebraska will feature the state’s longest racetrack at one mile. The track will host 15 live races from August 16 to September 15, every Friday through Sunday, plus a special race on Labor Day. These events will offer Grandstand seating for all ages and 21+ betting options via kiosks. “Columbus has a rich history of horse racing and we’re very proud to be a part of that and maybe more in August going forward, so we couldn’t be more happy,” Connelly shared.

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