He added that people who approved expanded gambling at horse tracks in 2020 are seeking property tax relief, and that the Grand Island Casino Resort is hoping to follow suit with what Nebraskans are seeing with WarHorse in Lincoln. Kotulak further said casino gambling has become crucial for the existence of thoroughbred horse racing. Construction on the permanent resort is expected to begin in the fall of 2023 and will feature 650 slot machines, 20 table games, a sports book, a variety of dining options including top-floor dining at Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood, live weekend entertainment on the show lounge, sports bar, a 116-room boutique hotel, a salon and spa, gift shop, and indoor and outdoor pool with an expansive deck. The temporary casino will operate until the full resort is completed. until midnight, Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. The casino will be open Sunday through Thursday 8 a.m. Guests will be required to present a valid ID to gain entry to the casino in accordance with Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission regulations. The temporary casino will feature approximately 300 slot machines, horse betting kiosks, and a snack bar. I thank the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission for their leadership and diligence in the process and approval.” “It’s very fitting that our temporary casino surrounds the Racing Hall of Fame, starting a new chapter in Fonner history. “We are excited to partner with Fonner Park, which held its first race almost 70 years ago,” Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts said. The transitory property is located in the concourse of Fonner Park, adjacent to the Nebraska Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame.

Doors will open at the temporary facility on Tuesday, December 27 at noon following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This afternoon was very significant for the history of Fonner Park,” Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak said, as reported by KSNB.

A temporary property at Grand Island's Fonner Park horse racing track is set to open its doors to the public next week. Nebraska is inching closer to the opening of its second land-based casino after the Racing and Gaming Commission unanimously approved an operator license for Grand Island Casino Resort and Fonner Park on Wednesday.

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