Harrah’s Columbus Temporary Casino Welcomes First Visitors
The development of a temporary Harrah’s Columbus by Caesars Entertainment is fully completed and this week the venue started its operations. Meanwhile, a permanent casino is still under construction, which is expected to be finished in the first half of 2024.
The temporary facility is located at Platte County Agricultural Park. It features over 250 slot machines and offers wagering on horse racing as well. This location is designed to keep casino fans entertained while waiting for the opening of Harrah’s permanent venue.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Monday. Among the guests were Tom Jackson, Columbus Exposition and Racing board member, and James Bulkley, Mayor of Columbus. Don Ostert, the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino, made a speech. Ostert called the temporary facility’s opening “a huge milestone” for everyone involved with the casino project. The manager also noted that with the tremendous support from the community of Columbus, they’re proud to open their doors and welcome guests to the temporary facility for the first time.
Initially, the temporary casino was expected to be opened in March. However, Caesars Entertainment and the company’s local investors managed to receive all the necessary approvals only in May, which made June an opening month.
The temporary casino was approved by the Racing and Gaming Commission of Nebraska on December 21, 2022. At the same meeting NRGC greenlighted the development of the permanent Harrah’s Columbus that would be located off Highway 81 on the former Wishbones property.
Both existing and future venues will take part in Caesars Rewards loyalty program. It offers players to redeem their Reward Credits at any of 50 properties operated by Caesars in North America.
In other news, Mohegan Casino teams up with Virgin Voyages to send Momentum Rewards members on cruise.
