Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack opens in Nebraska with $31M investment and quarter horse racing

The Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack officially opened on Tuesday, with Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen leading the ceremonial first race Post Parade and addressing a crowd of nearly 1,000 attendees.

The $31 million project, developed by Elite Casino Resorts in partnership with Hastings Exposition and Racing, combines casino gaming with live Quarter Horse racing. 

The casino currently features over 300 slot machines, electronic table games, and the Draft Day sports lounge, which offers sports betting, simulcast racing, and dining. The existing casino space is considered temporary, with plans to nearly double its size. Live dealer table games are expected to replace electronic versions by March next year.

The project has created 125 jobs in Ogallala so far and is projected to employ about 400 when fully built. Combined with Elite Casino Resorts’ Grand Island Casino at Fonner Park, the company’s total investment in Nebraska exceeds $250 million. Elite currently employs more than 600 people statewide across the two properties.

“This project represents a new opportunity, new jobs, and new energy for Keith County and Ogallala,” said Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts.

The opening also marks the return of Quarter Horse racing to Nebraska, which state racing officials say carries economic importance for breeders and trainers.

“This return of Quarter Horse racing to Nebraska is a major win for the local and agricultural economy in this area,” said Cynthia Smith, director of racing. “This boosts the Nebraska Quarter Horse breeders and trainers who now have more opportunities closer to home. We all should be excited about what the future holds for the industry of running Quarter Horses in Nebraska in the coming years.”

Racing resumed with three events on opening day, including the first race won by Dear Dash.

Gov. Pillen praised the Kehl family for its commitment to the state. “I want to support the economic development and incredible tourism this casino brings, and give a shoutout to the Kehl family for their incredible investment here in Ogallala,” he said.

Mary Wilson, executive director of Keith County Area Development, said the opening was the result of years of work. “It was a momentous day for Ogallala and for the great state of Nebraska,” Wilson said. “This represents years of vision, planning, and tireless work behind the scenes.”

Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack will operate daily from 7 AM to 3 AM. Future expansion plans include a hotel, convention space, additional dining options, live table games, RV parking, and both indoor and outdoor pools.