If things run smoothly, March of both 2023 and 2024 are set to be big for Columbus.

The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission during its meeting Dec. 21 gave the OK for construction at the temporary Harrah’s casino at Platte County Agricultural Park, as well as the beginning construction work for the permanent casino to be located northwest of town.

Voters approved in the November 2020 election to allow gambling in Nebraska at racetracks. Six cities already had racetracks in place, including Columbus. In the summer of 2021, it was announced that a Harrah’s casino and racetrack would be coming to town.