Casino Resort in Grand Island Holds Inaugural Celebration
Exciting Times in Grand Island!
The grand opening of the Grand Island Casino Resort shook things up in the city of Grand Island, Nebraska last week. This whopping $185 million project, brought to you by Elite Casino Resorts in partnership with Fonner Park, is now officially open for business!
This seven-story property offers a tantalizing mix of gaming, dining, and entertainment, setting a new standard for Nebraskan fun.
A Poker Lover's Paradise in the Heart of Nebraska
Ever thought about hitting the poker tables in the Cornhusker State? Well, now you can! Grand Island Casino Resort boasts Nebraska's very first live poker room, along with 750 slot machines and 20 table games.
But that's not all - this casino-resort also features a luxurious 162-room hotel, a show lounge for live performances, and a variety of scrumptious dining options, including a signature Ruthie's Steak & Seafood restaurant.
Want more? You got it! This swanky establishment offers an expansive banquet facility, an outdoor entertainment space that overlooks Fonner Park's horse track, and, yes, even a full-service spa with indoor and outdoor pools.
Job Creation and Economic Boost
Curious about the impact on the local community? Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele will be delighted to tell you that the resort's creation represents more than just a new attraction. It symbolizes the growth and vitality of the region, with an estimated annual payroll of $13.6 million and around 400 permanent jobs being created.
A New Era for Nebraska Horse Racing
On a more equestrian note, the state regulator is thrilled about the potential revitalization of horse racing in Nebraska. After all, as Casey Ricketts, Executive Director of Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission, put it, "without horse racing, we wouldn't have casinos."
The Grand Island Casino Resort's close ties with Fonner Park, a historic horse racing venue, are a nod to that heritage. The outdoor deck provides direct views of the track, inviting guests to engage with live racing. Plus, the partnership aims to bolster horse racing through gaming revenues, aligning with Nebraska’s 2020 voter approval of casino gaming at licensed racetracks.
In essence, the Grand Island Casino Resort represents a significant evolution in Nebraska’s gaming landscape, blending entertainment, employment, and support for the state’s horse racing industry. So grab your chips, saddle up, and get ready for a thrilling ride!
- Poker enthusiasts can now enjoy Nebraska's first live poker room at the newly opened Grand Island Casino Resort, which offers various casino games and 750 slot machines.
- The casino-resort is more than just a gaming destination, boasting a luxurious hotel, live performance lounge, and scrumptious dining options, including Ruthie's Steak & Seafood restaurant.
- The Grand Island Casino Resort has created over 400 permanent jobs and is estimated to have an annual payroll of $13.6 million, positively impacting the local community.
- Apart from gambling, the casino-resort caters to relaxation with an expansive banquet facility, an outdoor entertainment space, and a full-service spa featuring indoor and outdoor pools.
- The Grand Island Casino Resort's association with Fonner Park and its close ties to horse racing represent a potential revitalization for the industry in Nebraska, especially since the state voted to allow casino gaming at licensed racetracks in 2020.
