GRAND ISLAND — More than two years after voters approved casino gambling in Nebraska, players finally sat down to slot machines Tuesday afternoon in Grand Island.
A delegation of community leaders and eager gamblers assembled for the grand opening of the Grand Island casino’s temporary facility in the Fonner Park concourse.
After the ribbon-cutting, a steady stream of gamblers and curious community members filed in.
Grand Island City Clerk RaNae Edwards was honored as the first to play the slots at the new casino.
"It's so awesome. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event," Edwards said, lauding legal gambling reaching Grand Island. "This is history."
In September, WarHorse Lincoln was the first licensed horse track casino in the state to open. Others are in the planning stages in Omaha and Columbus.
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Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak said he was most excited about how the state's newest casino could affect the Grand Island area and thoroughbred horse racing at Fonner Park.
“I foresee not only South Locust, downtown, but all Grand Island to really elevate.â€
And beyond, Kotulak said.
“I think the adjacent communities — even counties — will have employees that are coming here to work.â€
The temporary casino, which includes 300 slot machines, has more than 100 employees.
Table games are anticipated to be added in June, said Vince Fiala, general manager of the casino resort. Dealers are currently being trained.
“We just haven't had time to train dealers yet to get the games put in, but we will have live table games in June.â€
Construction of the permanent Grand Island casino is slated to begin in the fall. It is touted to feature a 24-hour Vegas-inspired casino experience, which will include sports wagering. A 116-room hotel, spa and multiple dining are also planned.
Grand Island Casino and Resort is under the umbrella of Iowa-based Elite Casino Resorts.
Kotulak said casino revenue will “infuse†Fonner Park, allowing for larger racing purses.
“With better, higher purse money, we're going to elevate our racing.â€
When asked if he was excited for the grand opening of the initial casino, Kotulak said: “I'll be more excited when we start to see the money come in and I can raise purse money. The first time we are able to raise what we offer our horsemen here, then you’ll see the excitement in me.â€
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