The Lake Mac Casino Resort, situated just south of Interstate 80 in Ogallala, Nebraska, is progressing with its plans to introduce a temporary gaming facility later this year. According to Elite Casino Resorts, the company behind the project, this initial setup will provide limited gaming experiences while preparations for the permanent resort complex continue.

Lake Mac Casino Resort’s temporary opening and long-term vision:

Sharon Haselhoff, a representative of Elite Casino Resorts, outlined the project’s importance during a local business leaders’ meeting held by the Keith County Area Development’s progressive business group in March. She emphasized the project’s positive economic and employment impact on the community, highlighting the efforts to integrate the casino into the local environment. This collaboration includes offering guidance to local businesses on how to adapt to the area’s new economic dynamics as a result of becoming home to a major employer.

The temporary casino will house a six-table poker room and feature slot machines, though it will not offer keno. Haselhoff confirmed that horse racing at the site is expected to begin around Labor Day, contingent upon the completion of the racetrack. The long-term plan for the casino includes 15 race weeks annually, distributed over five weeks, with each race week comprising three days and ten races per day.

Beyond the temporary casino, Elite Casino Resorts has grand ambitions for the Lake Mac Casino Resort. The permanent facility will eventually be equipped with a hotel, scheduled to open in 2027 or 2028. This hotel will serve as a key component of the overall resort experience, offering lodging to guests visiting the casino and racetrack.

In terms of staffing, hiring for the casino will begin soon after the appointment of a general manager, a crucial step in getting the casino ready for its official launch.

Elite Casino Resorts’ expansion into Nebraska:

According to Sandhills Post, Elite Casino Resorts, an Iowa-based company known for managing several gaming facilities across the Midwest, is excited about expanding into western Nebraska. The company’s portfolio already includes the Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park in Grand Island, Nebraska, and the Lake Mac Casino Resort will be its next major expansion. This move underscores Elite Casino Resorts’ growing influence in the region as it seeks to bring new entertainment and employment opportunities to communities across Nebraska.

The long-term development of Lake Mac Casino Resort not only serves as a major boost to the local economy but also introduces a new layer of entertainment options to the area. The resort’s eventual offerings, including a racetrack, hotel, and a wide variety of dining and leisure facilities, promise to transform Ogallala into a vibrant destination for both locals and visitors from outside the region.

The Lake Mac Casino Resort’s design draws inspiration from the rich history of Ogallala. Before becoming a town, Ogallala was a crucial intersection of trails, rails, and rivers. This history is reflected in the resort’s development, which aims to create an “oasis” for the people of the region and visitors alike. Drawing from the significance of the land and its resources, including the vast Ogallala aquifer beneath the region, the resort and casino are designed to serve as a cultural and entertainment hub that honors the past while providing modern leisure opportunities.

While the project is still pending full regulatory and licensing approval, the proposed plans for a grandstand, racetrack, casino floor with slot machines and table games, a sports book, hotel, convention center, RV parking, and various dining options signal a significant transformation for Ogallala. The resort’s design will blend modern elements with a nod to the area’s pioneer history, creating a space that is both contemporary and rooted in local tradition.