A project years in the making officially opens its doors Tuesday as the Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack welcomes guests with a ribbon cutting, horse races, and a celebration of what leaders call a historic investment in western Nebraska.
The $31.2 million facility includes a new racetrack and a temporary casino featuring 333 slot machines, including 24 electronic table games. The site also houses the Draft Days Sports Lounge, offering sports wagering, simulcast betting, and a full food and beverage menu. Plans call for future additions including a hotel, additional restaurants, and an event center.
“This is an exciting, epic day,” said Sharon Haselhoff, Regional Vice President of Elite Casino Resorts and General Manager of Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort. “We’re opening the gates to the track, the doors to the casino, and showing everyone what we have to offer. It’s an amazing day and a historic event here in Keith County.”
Economic Boost and Job Growth
The opening also marks a significant investment in local jobs.
“For our temporary casino, we’ll employ about 125 people, and as we expand into a full resort that number will grow closer to 400,” said Tom Frank, General Manager of the Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack. “That’s a lot of opportunity for advancement. I started as a part-time bartender and now I’m a general manager — this industry creates pathways for people.”
Frank said the location is a natural fit for a casino and racetrack. “With Lake McConaughy nearby, Interstate 80 traffic, and access from surrounding states, Ogallala is already a destination. This project builds on that momentum.”
Quarter Horse Racing Returns
Horse racing was front and center during opening day, beginning with a Nebraska-bred race followed by two additional quarter horse races. Horses and trainers traveled from states including Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Kansas to compete.
“We’re fully dedicated to quarter horse racing here at Lake Mac,” said Cynthia Smith, Director of Racing. “Quarter horse racing is an American pastime, and it’s exciting to bring it back to western Nebraska. The horses are athletes, and we’re proud to share them with the public.”
Smith added that the Nebraska-bred program is a key piece of the racetrack’s future. “This opens new doors for Nebraska horsemen and ties directly to agriculture. We’re already seeing the economic ripple effect in feed stores, farms, and local businesses.”
Special Promotions
Opening day also came with giveaways and special promotions:
- A free barbecue for the first 1,000 guests, catered by Oolie’s in Paxton
- Lake Mac t-shirts for visitors
- Up to $1,000 in free slot play for new Resort Club members
- Refer-a-friend bonus: $10 free slot play for both the new member and their friend
- A chance to win a share of $5,000 in free slot play by joining the eClub before October 19
Haselhoff noted the broader significance of the project.
“Between Ogallala and our property in Grand Island, this represents a quarter of a billion dollar investment in Nebraska. We’re here for the long haul and committed to reinvesting in this community and the state.”
This content is part of a paid partnership with Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack.