Nebraska: Housing issues are likely in Ogallala as casino workforce grows

Wednesday, September 24, 2025 2:38 PM
Image aggregated from Nebraska Public Media.
  • Aaron Bonderson, Nebraska Public Media

Nebraska’s newest casino and racetrack is out of the gates and contributing to the state budget.

Lake Mac Casino and Resort, south of Ogallala, generated more than $100,000 in tax revenue through its first 11 days of operation. The casino opened its doors Aug. 19 and took in about $527,000 in total revenue through the end of August, according to the latest report from the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission.

Of the $100,000 in tax payments made from August sales, nearly $74,000 will go toward the state’s Property Tax Credit Cash Fund.

About 2,000 people showed up for opening day, general manager Tom Frank said. In the future, he wants to market the casino to patrons in Colorado and Wyoming. There’s at least one casino in the mountains of Colorado, but Frank sees an opportunity.