Online sports betting in Nebraska may not be allowed, but retail sports betting is. The Caesars Race & Sportsbook at the Harrah’s Columbus property accepted its first bets today following the grand opening of the operator’s first venture in Nebraska.
A spokesperson from Caesars told Covers that the first sports wager was a $20 bet on the Boston Celtics to win the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, opening day got off to a hot start as the first jackpot in the casino hit at 10:14 am, with a lucky guest winning $1,876 on Power Push.
“We’re so proud to open the doors to Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino for the first time today,” said Todd Connelly, Regional President of Caesars Entertainment. “Harrah’s is an iconic brand that our guests have come to know and love across the country. We're so happy to be here with our partners and friends as we celebrate what is sure to be a bright future in Nebraska.”
The Specs
The new gaming property is operating under the operator’s Harrah’s brand and will feature casino gaming and retail sports betting on-site. The casino is 17,000 square feet with 400 slot machines and 11 table games.
The newest retail sportsbook in Nebraska, Caesars Race & Sportsbook, touts a 2,100-square-foot sports and simulcast betting area conveniently located on the casino floor. The $20 bet on the Celtics was the first time Caesars Sportsbook has accepted sports wagers in the Cornhusker State.
The property will also feature the award-winning restaurant "Brew Brothers", as well as a bar called "Wishbones". A Marriott Fairfield Inn and Townplace Suites hotel complex are currently both under construction and will be directly connected to the casino.
On Track
Nebraska sports betting and casino gaming are only permitted at licensed racetracks within the state, with regulatory oversight by the Nebraska Racing & Gaming Commission (NRGC).
Harrah’s Columbus Nebraska is partnering with Columbus Exposition and Racing on a one-mile racetrack that will be the longest track in the state. All guests who play at the new destination will earn rewards within the expansive Caesars Rewards network that stretches across 50+ properties in North America, giving Caesars Sportsbook even more customers to tap into from the broader Caesars database.
