Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack opens in Ogallala

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - The opening of Lake Mac Casino & Racetrack is not just about cards, machines, or racing. For the Western Nebraska community of Ogallala, it’s a bet on long-term development, increased traffic off I-80 and extended stays near Lake McConaughy.

“This is about opening doors to opportunity, prosperity, and generational change,” said Mary Wilson, Keith County Area Development Executive Director. “We are welcoming a first-class entertainment destination and a wave of economic energy that will ripple for decades to come across local businesses, tourism, hospitality, and our agricultural base.”

Director of Racing Cynthia Smith said the road to Tuesday’s celebration began more than two decades ago.

“Twenty-two years later, our partnership with Elite Casino Resorts and Lake Mac Casino Resort has made this all possible,” said Smith. “Horse Racing is finally alive and well again in Western Nebraska, and we hope to continue with a similar development in Gering in the months ahead so the vision of a quarter horse racing circuit can be recognized.”

Nebraska elected officials emphasize that the opening of the establishment is a part of a growing trend of economic development across Greater Nebraska.

“Things are really looking up for Western Nebraska. We have a lot of businesses moving out here, and I know Lincoln and Omaha get a lot of the spotlight because they are the bigger cities,” said District 47 Senator Paul Strommen. “Anything we can do to drive economic development is always positive. Sustainable Beef was just built in North Platte. Look at the number of new businesses that have just popped up, and they are just in their early stages. Sustainable Beef has not even hired all of their people yet.”

Click here to subscribe to our KNOP News 2 daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.