COLUMBUS- Harrah's Nebraska, a new casino, sportsbook, and racetrack in Columbus, was approved to open next month by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. "This is a big deal," said Racing and Gaming Commission Chairman Dennis Lee of the vote to approve the new casino, which is set to officially open at 10:00 A.M. on May 13th.

It took roughly 14 months for Caesars Entertainment to build the 28,000-square-foot casino which, when opened, will feature more than 500 slot machines and 14 table games, along with a sportsbook that seats 78 people. The only technicality in approving the opening date for the casino was making sure it coincided with the opening of the race track.

Commissioner Jeff Galyen pointed out that a Nebraska city "can't have a casino without having a horse track." The Columbus casino will host a 15-day race beginning August 16th. Lynne McNally, CEO of the Nebraska Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, also announced at the meeting that WarHorse Casino Omaha could open as early as August 1st. Meanwhile, phase 2 of WarHorse Casino Lincoln is moving toward its October completion date.

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