GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Grand Island On line casino and Resort’s short-term facility is open for enterprise.
A delegation of neighborhood leaders and keen gamblers assembled Tuesday for the grand opening of the power within the Fonner Park concourse.
After the ribbon chopping, a gradual stream of gamblers and curious neighborhood members filed via the doorway, IDs checked and wristbands hooked up.
Grand Island Metropolis Clerk RaNae Edwards was honored as the primary to play the slots on the new on line casino.
“It is so superior. This can be a once-in-a-lifetime occasion,” Edwards stated, lauding authorized playing reaching Grand Island. “That is historical past.”
Fonner Park CEO Chris Kotulak stated he was most enthusiastic about how the on line casino might have an effect on the Grand Island space and Thoroughbred horse racing at Fonner Park.
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“I foresee not solely South Locust, downtown, however all Grand Island to actually elevate.”
And past that, Kotulak stated.
“I feel the adjoining communities — even counties — may have staff which might be coming right here to work.”
The short-term on line casino, which incorporates 300 slot machines, has greater than 100 staff.
Desk video games are anticipated to be added in June, stated Vince Fiala, common supervisor of the on line casino resort. Sellers are at present being skilled.
“We simply have not had time to coach sellers but to get the video games put in, however we may have dwell desk video games in June.”
Building of the everlasting facility — which is anticipated to function a 24-hour Vegas-inspired on line casino expertise, together with sports activities wagering — is scheduled to start in fall 2023. The finished facility can even have a 116-room resort, first-class spa and a number of eating choices.
Elite On line casino Resorts CEO Dan Kehl stated, “We sit up for offering glorious service and demonstrating our firm values not solely to our company, however to the whole neighborhood.
“We’re excited to associate with Fonner Park so as to add this short-term on line casino and, in the end, a first-class on line casino resort to this racetrack.”
“For me,” Kotulak stated, “the first purpose is to save lots of Nebraska Thoroughbred horse racing.”
Kotulak stated on line casino income will “infuse” Fonner Park, permitting for bigger racing purses.
“With higher, larger purse cash, we will elevate our racing.”
