Grand Island Casino Resort celebrated its grand opening Thursday in the city of Grand Island, Nebraska. Iowa-based Elite Casino Resorts, in partnership with Fonner Park, has now officially opened the permanent facility. The $185 million destination resort is a seven-story property, which offers a blend of gaming, dining, and entertainment.
Grand Island Casino Resort Features Nebraska’s First Live Poker Room
Grand Island Casino Resort features a full-service casino with 750 slot machines, 20 table games, and Nebraska’s first live poker room. The establishment also has a 162-room hotel, a show lounge, and multiple dining options, including a signature Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood restaurant.
In addition, the casino-resort offers an expansive banquet facility that can accommodate up to 200 guests, an outdoor entertainment space overlooking the Fonner Park horse track, and a full-service spa featuring indoor and outdoor pools located on the second level.
Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele said in a news release that the casino-resort will also provide permanent jobs in the region, with an estimated annual payroll of $13.6 million annually.
“The Grand Island Casino Resorts represents more than just a new attraction,” said Steele. “It symbolizes our new growth and vitality with more than four-hundred new jobs being created.”
Project Employed 877 Construction Workers
Since construction began, the project has contributed greatly to the local economy, employing 877 construction workers from 77 different contractors and vendors.
“This world-class facility reflects our long-term commitment to Grand Island and the greater Nebraska community,” said Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts.
“We are proud to offer a top-notch destination for guests while also striving to be a strong community partner and excellent employer. The Grand Island Casino Resort represents more than entertainment — it’s a driver of opportunity, growth and pride for the region.”
Horse Racing Will Stay Alive In The Cornhusker State
More importantly, the state regulator is looking forward to revitalizing horse racing in Nebraska.
“The theme has been without horse racing, we would not have casinos,” said Casey Ricketts, Executive Director of Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. “I do believe you guys are a huge part in some of that increase, so we do thank you.”
Chris Stinson, Commissioner of Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, also added that residents who follow horse racing are aware that the sport has been struggling in the Cornhusker State.
“For a while it felt like it’s been an irreversible decline, a lot of these horseman and horsewomen don’t do it for the money,” said Stinson. “They’re not making any money up until recently, so they do it for the love sport. I’m really happy we have casinos now.”
The temporary casino, which opened two years ago, has generated $2.5 million for Fonner Park racing purses and $700,000 for the Nebraska Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
Jose is an iGaming analyst with wide experience within the sector. He has been working as content writer on casino and betting websites for more than 10 years, contributing on websites like Pokerlistings, Casinobee, Betpack among others, sharing his insights and perspective for the future ofthe iGaming market.
