By Sandhills Post
OGALLALA, Neb. — The Lake Mac Casino Resort project, located just south of Interstate 80 in Ogallala, is moving forward with plans to open a temporary gaming facility later this year, according to officials from Elite Casino Resorts.
Sharon Haselhoff, a representative of Elite Casino Resorts, which will operate the casino, spoke in March to local business leaders during the Keith County Area Development's progressive business group meeting about the economic and employment impact of the project. She said the company is working to integrate with the community and advised local businesses on adapting to the presence of a large new employer in the area.
The temporary casino will feature a six-table poker room, slot machines, but will not be allowed to host keno. In addition, horse racing is expected to begin around Labor Day, pending completion of the track. Haselhoff said the long-term plan includes hosting 15 race weeks each year, spread across five weeks. A typical race week would consist of three days of racing with 10 races per day.
The permanent casino complex will eventually include a hotel, projected to open in 2027 or 2028.
Hiring for the casino is expected to begin soon after a general manager is appointed, Haselhoff said.
Elite Casino Resorts, based in Iowa, operates several gaming facilities across the Midwest including the new Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park in Grand Island, and is expanding into western Nebraska with the Lake Mac project.