OGALLALA -- Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack opened the gates Tuesday to the public.

The facility is a 5/8 mile oval horse race track, horse barns. with capacity for 400 stalls. There is also a temporary casino with more than 300 slot machines and electronic games. The casino is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The party-like atmosphere included comments from Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen.

"I'm here today. It's an incredible privilege because I want to support the economic development and the incredible tourism and casino and give a shout-out to the Kehl family for their incredible investment here. And then, the horsemen. It's really a big deal," Gov. Pillen said.

Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts, thanked the governor for his support and leadership, also noting the economic impact the facility will have on Keith County and Ogallala.

The celebration and racing event drew local ranchers, community leaders and gamblers. The temporary casino was monitored to ensure it did not exceed the maximum number of people.

One farmer/rancher sees the race track as increasing interest in horses and racing. 

"It's going to bring a lot more money, a lot more interest in the horse world for a lot. A lot of these people around here are cowboys, mainly cowboys around Ogallala. They have big ranches, and a lot of farmers. It'll bring a lot more interest in the horse racing world," Ralph Saults of Big Springs.

Jillian Kelly, interning at the Keith County Chamber of Commerce, said the race track and casino is causing excitement in the area.

"It's bringing in lots of excitement. I think everyone is super-stoked to be out here. Big things coming for the town (Ogallala). It's going to bring in lots of people for us," she said.

The facility comes with 300 full-time and part-time jobs with a total compensation of $15.1 million annually with taxes and benefits, according to a press release.

The future resort features will include a $100 million investment including a Casino floor with 650 slot machines and 14 table games, Draft Day Sports Lounge for Sports Wagering and Simulcast, a 180-room hotel, indoor and outdoor pools, 15,000 square foot Convention Center and three restaurants.