OGALLALA, Neb. — Horse racing and casino gaming are set to debut in Ogallala today with the grand opening of the Lake Mac Racetrack and Casino Resort, located just southwest of the Interstate 80 interchange.
The track’s first post time is scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday, featuring three races, two of which drew eight entries. Officials say the event marks the start of what they expect will be steady growth for horse racing in Nebraska.
Following the last race, the resort’s temporary casino will open to the public, pending final approval from the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. The casino will feature 300 slot machines, a sportsbook, and other amenities.
The casino floor is scheduled to open at 4 p.m., with a complimentary T-shirt giveaway for the first 500 visitors who sign up for the Resort Club.
Grand opening festivities will also include live entertainment, with Drew Phillips performing from 4 to 8 p.m., followed by Dave Lerbakken from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m.
Lake Mac Racetrack and Casino is part of Nebraska’s expansion into gaming following voter approval of racetrack casinos in 2020. The Ogallala venue joins other projects across the state designed to pair live horse racing with casino gaming.