**For downloadable hi-res images from the Grand Opening, please click here**

Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino, Caesars Entertainment’s first venture into the Cornhusker State, opened its doors to guests for the first time today. Caesars, Columbus Exposition and Racing and the Columbus community celebrated the momentous occasion with a ribbon cutting, giveaways and more.

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Don Ostert, Todd Connelly and Tom Jackson at the grand opening of Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino May 17 (Photo: Caesars Entertainment)

Opening day guests received commemorative Harrah’s shirts before making the property’s historical first spins on the slots, table game wagers and first bets at the Caesars Race & Sportsbook. The first jackpot was hit at 10:14 a.m. with a lucky guest winning $1,876 on Power Push.

“We’re so proud to open the doors to Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino for the first time today,” said Todd Connelly, Regional President of Caesars Entertainment. “Harrah’s is an iconic brand that our guests have come to know and love across the country. We’re so happy to be here with our partners and friends as we celebrate what is sure to be a bright future in Nebraska.”

The new destination features a 17,000-square-foot casino with 400 slot machines, 11 table games and a Caesars Race & Sportsbook featuring a 2,100-square-foot sports and simulcast betting area conveniently located on the casino floor. The area contains 17 viewing screens, including a massive 163-inch video wall for the ultimate sports viewing experience. The opening of Caesars Race & Sportsbook at Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino marks the first time Caesars Sportsbook has accepted sports wagers in the Cornhusker State.

Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino is also home to the award-winning restaurant Brew Brothers, founded by the Carano family in 1995, and a bar called Wishbones. A Marriott Fairfield Inn and Townplace Suites is under construction next door and will connect directly to the casino once complete later this year.

In partnership with Columbus Exposition and Racing, Harrah’s Columbus Nebraska will be home to a one-mile racetrack, the longest track in the state. The track will host 15 live races every Friday – Sunday from Aug. 16 to Sept. 15, as well as one on Labor Day. Each date will offer all-ages Grandstand seating, along with 21+ in-person and kiosk betting.

Harrah’s Columbus NE, Racing & Casino is also part of Caesars Entertainment’s expansive Caesars Rewards® network. Guests who play at the new destination can earn and redeem Reward Credits at any of Caesars Entertainment’s 50+ properties in North America.

Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino is 21 and over. For more information, please visit https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-columbus.

About Caesars Entertainment, Inc.

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR) is the largest casino-entertainment company in the US and one of the world's most diversified casino-entertainment providers. Since its beginning in Reno, NV, in 1937, Caesars Entertainment, Inc. has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions. Caesars Entertainment, Inc.'s resorts operate primarily under the Caesars®, Harrah's®, Horseshoe®, and Eldorado® brand names. Caesars Entertainment, Inc. offers diversified gaming, entertainment and hospitality amenities, one-of-a-kind destinations, and a full suite of mobile and online gaming and sports betting experiences. All tied to its industry-leading Caesars Rewards loyalty program, the company focuses on building value with its guests through a unique combination of impeccable service, operational excellence, and technology leadership. Caesars is committed to its employees, suppliers, communities, and the environment through its PEOPLE PLANET PLAY framework. To review our latest CSR report, please visit www.caesars.com/corporate-social-responsibility/csr-reports. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. For more information, please visit www.caesars.com/corporate. If you think you or someone you care about may have a gambling problem, call 1-877-770-STOP (1-877-770-7867).

About Columbus Exposition and Racing, Inc.

Created in 2013, Columbus Exposition and Racing, Inc. (CER) is a not-for-profit Columbus entity that is dedicated to the future of horse racing in Columbus and Nebraska.

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