Nebraska’s Grand Island temporary casino might open in autumn

03/04/22

A new temporary casino in Nebraska is expected to open in October.

US.- Grand Island’s temporary casino might open its doors in autumn, according to Fonner Park racetrack chief executive officer Chris Kotulak. Nebraska voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing casinos at the state’s horse racetracks in November 2020.

Elite Casino Resorts of Iowa, Fonner Park’s gaming operator, is building a temporary casino on the Fonner Park campus. The temporary structure will have close to 200 slots. Customers will be able to play blackjack, roulette and craps, in addition to slot machines. It also will include a small restaurant and bar area.

Kotulak said the casino was unlikely to be in operation until closer to October. Construction on the permanent casino facility won’t begin until after this year’s Nebraska State Fair. It’s expected to open in 2025 with more than 600 slot machines.

The general contractor of both the temporary and permanent structures is Baxter Construction of Des Moines, from Iowa. The temporary casino will be used for storage after the Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park is built.