Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack

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The temporary Lake Mac Casino Resort, located just south of Interstate 80 in Ogallala, Nebraska, opened on August 19, 2025. Operated in partnership with Hastings Exposition and Racing and Iowa-based Elite Casino Resorts, the interim facility's tentative hours are 7am –3am seven days a week. Dining options include breakfast from 7–11am., and lunch and dinner from 11am–10pm on weekdays and 11am –midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Hours may be adjusted as operations progress.

The temporary facility is expected to operate for over two years, leading up to the resort’s grand opening in 2029. When complete, the permanent casino floor will expand to include 650 slot machines, 14 live table games, a full sportsbook, and simulcast racing.

The main resort will feature 180 guest rooms (with both king and double queen options), two bars, multiple restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, conference space, and a large event center. A family-friendly clubhouse will offer patrons a comfortable place to enjoy live horse racing.

Additionally, horse racing is expected to begin around Labor Day, pending completion of the track. The long-term plan reportedly includes hosting 15 race weeks each year, spread across five weeks. A typical race week would consist of three days of racing with 10 races per day. 

While there is no on-site lodging, there are several nearby hotels, including Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hampton Inn, Best Western Plus, Quality Inn & Convention Center, and Kingsley Dam Resort, all in Ogallala.

Iowa-based Elite Casino Resorts will operate both the temporary casino and, upon opening in 2027 or 2028, the permanent casino.

The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission (NRGC) approved a request to transfer a horse racetrack license from Fairplay Park in Hastings roughly 200 miles west to a new facility in Ogalla. The Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack project involves an investment of $100 million and is planned for a 178-acre site near Interstate 80 and Highway 26.

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Dining & Restaurants

Draft Day Sports Lounge

• Serving: Pub Fare

Located on the gaming floor, Draft Day Sports Lounge at the temporary Lake Mac Casino Resort serves local beer and great bar selections, and grab-and-goes like pizza, sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, and more. Kick back with an ice-cold brew and watch your favorite game on any one of the large screen HDTVs. 

* Dining options include breakfast from 7–11am., and lunch and dinner from 11am–10pm on weekdays and 11am –midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Hours may be adjusted as operations progress.

General

Price range: Average

Reservations: (308) 465-0777

Alcohol: Full Bar

Ambience: Casual

Attire: Casual

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Hours

Sunday	7:00am / 10:00pm
Monday	7:00am / 10:00pm
Tuesday	7:00am / 10:00pm
Wednesday	7:00am / 10:00pm
Thursday	7:00am / 10:00pm
Friday	7:00am / 12:00am
Saturday	7:00am / 12:00am

Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack Venues & Hotspots

Meetings & Events