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Grand Island, Nebraska (KSNB) – The Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park is officially open for business. People gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday before claiming a slot location.
Less than 90 days after construction, a complete renovation and 300 slot machines were installed. Casino insiders say the Grand Island community is a perfect fit for an elite casino resort family.
Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts, said: “We are Midwesterners, and the people here on Grand Island stood out as people like us. We thought we could make a difference within our community. has been deeply involved in the communities in which we operate.”
Kehl says games can have a positive impact on the community if done right. Grand He Island is reminiscent of the company’s hometown in Iowa, he added. Most importantly, a casino has been something many people in the area have wanted for years.
Nebraska Senator Tom Breese said, “Voters told us in a 2020 poll overwhelmingly. They want casinos on racetracks, and the jobs and investments that come with them. They want it.” , we want the property tax relief we get from the racetrack casino.”
Temporary casinos are just the beginning of what’s to come.
“Twenty percent of their income goes into the original property tax relief fund,” said Trent Ruth of the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission. “His 70% of that money will automatically go to taxpayers and Nebraska property taxpayers. We’re not all done with the property tax cuts, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
Laws said property tax relief is something the state has been trying to achieve for a decade. While the casino will help residents with lower property taxes, it will also revive horse racing in the area.
“Without a doubt, Nebraska thoroughbred racing was coming to an end,” said Chris Kotulak, CEO of Fonner Park. “We were able to pull it off here at Fonner Park with smoke and mirrors, and we had a big party every Saturday at the race. I challenge anyone to disagree with me.”
Kotulak said the casino is already having a positive impact on the state’s horse racing industry, winning large sums in other nearby areas. Residents have also expressed excitement about the casino’s potential.
“It’s great for the area,” said Lisa Jacobi. “Some horse races seem to be dying out, which is really sad. .”
Jacobi says horse racing across Nebraska was a big deal. She also says many people miss going to the horse races since horse racing season has been cut short.
“When I first came here in 1986, there was a concourse mural here showing the existence of agriculture, horse racing and fairs,” said Kotulak. “It looked a little old, but I knew it meant something, so now it looks like something very important.”
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