Lake Mac Casino Resort and Quarter Horse Racetrack Officially Opens
Grand Opening of Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack
Elite Casino Resorts, collaborating with Nebraska entrepreneur Brian Becker, is set to launch the much-awaited Lake Mac Casino Resort alongside a permanent 5/8 mile Quarter Horse racetrack on August 19.
Event Details and Initial Offerings
The venue will open its doors at 1 PM MDT, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 PM. Shortly after, the inaugural Quarter Horse race will commence. The initial casino setup will feature a provisional gaming area managed by Elite Casino Resorts, housing around 300 slot machines and several electronic table games such as roulette, blackjack, and bubble craps. Additionally, an Elite Sportsbook will operate, offering options through a staffed counter and self-service betting kiosks.
Future Expansion Plans
The temporary casino facility will be replaced by a permanent establishment boasting a 37,000-square-foot gaming floor. This larger complex plans to include 650 slot machines, 20 live-dealer table games, and a designated sportsbook lounge. Complementing the gaming experience, the resort will feature a 180-room hotel, a convention center, RV parking areas, and multiple dining and bar venues.
Economic Contributions and Community Benefits
In alignment with Nebraska’s regulations, Lake Mac Casino will allocate 20% of its gross gaming revenue to the state. Of this amount, 70% supports the Property Tax Credit Cash Fund to ease homeowners’ property tax burdens. Another 25% will be distributed to the host county and city, while the remaining 5% will fund the state’s General Fund and programs dedicated to compulsive gambling treatment.
Impact on Quarter Horse Racing in Nebraska
Cynthia Smith, director of racing at the Nebraska Quarter Horse Racing Association, highlighted the reopening of Quarter Horse racing as a major win for the local and agricultural sectors. She pointed out that Nebraska’s breeders and trainers stand to gain significantly with new opportunities closer to home. Smith expressed a positive outlook for the future growth and success of the state’s Quarter Horse racing industry.
Challenges Overcome to Reach This Milestone
Brian Becker earned the right to develop the casino following a 2020 statewide referendum that legalized casino gambling at Nebraska’s six licensed horse racetracks. Becker originally acquired the Queen City Downs racing license in 2002 and founded Hastings Exposition and Racing that same year.
Initially, Becker partnered with the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma to establish a casino in Hastings. However, after objections from the local city council and the subsequent withdrawal of the Chickasaw Nation, Becker later joined forces with Elite Casino Resorts to successfully move the project forward.
