Hastings Exposition and Racing Inc. announced plans to move its proposed Nebraska casino to Ogallala, 195 miles west of the original location in Hastings.
The company and its partner, Elite Casino Resorts, plan to invest roughly $100 million in a new state-of-the-art racetrack development complete with a full-service casino resort.
Hasting Exposition and Racing Inc. said it had submitted its 2024 racing license application to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission on Tuesday.
New racetrack in western Nebraska
According to the Hastings tribune, the new Ogallala casino will be called the Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack.
In a statement, Brian Becker, whose team will run the racetrack and manage all aspects of racing, said:
“We’ve been in the racing business for over 30 years, and the Elite family has been in the casino industry for over 30 years. It was a perfect partnership to help grow the Quarter Horse racing industry by moving our racing license to western Nebraska.
“We plan to fully establish and grow Quarter Horse racing in western Nebraska similar to what the five existing thoroughbred tracks have provided in central and eastern Nebraska.”
The planned facility in Ogallala includes:
- A five-eighths-mile racetrack with a testing and receiving barn
- The capacity of 400 stalls
- A paddock viewing area
- Winner’s circle
- Facilities to support the racing activities.
Growing the community
Additionally, the resort will include 180 hotel rooms, an event center, multiple dining options and a Nebraska sportsbook.
The casino plans to offer 650 slot machines, 20 live table games and a poker room.
Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts, said it was an honor to be chosen by Hastings Exposition and Racing to help grow the community in western Nebraska.
“We are honored to be chosen to be part of the Keith County and Ogallala communities, as well as partner with Hastings Exposition and Racing to move their existing horse racing license to western Nebraska.
“With over 2 million out-of-state visitors annually to the Ogallala area, this is an opportunity to grow the Quarter Horse racing and agricultural industry in western Nebraska. We look forward to this partnership and showcasing our Elite amenities in western Nebraska.”
