Hailing from New Orleans, Lisa Spencer brings together math expertise and gambling know-how as Betting.us' editor. With a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, she excels in game theory. Using statistical models and game theory, she develops and publishes betting strategies for Betting.us. Outside work, Lisa surfs the web for betting insights and does sports.
Columbus Exposition & Racing Sportsbook Review
By Lisa Spencer
Senior Editor at Betting.us
Updated: April 10, 2023
Columbus Exposition & Racing is one of the six licensed racetracks in Nebraska. Live races are hosted on the track one day per year. In the following text, we will review the Columbus Exposition & Racing sportsbook.
Columbus Exposition & Racing
| Official Name | Columbus Exposition & Racing |
|---|---|
| Type | Racetrack |
| Full address | Agricultural Park 822, 15th St., Columbus, NE 68601 |
| Rating: |
Columbus Exposition & Racing Sportsbook
Columbus Exposition & Racing is a sportsbook in Columbus, Nebraska. Following the temporary suspension of operations since 2018, the racebook resumed live horse racing in 2021 and plans to expand services with a brand new casino by 2022. The possibility of online betting for Nebraskan punters is on the cards. Keep reading this Columbus Exposition & Racing sportsbook review to find out more.
Previously, the Columbus Exposition & Racing sportsbook only offered betting opportunities on live and simulcasted horse racing. As of November 2021, all Nebraskan sportsbooks, including this venue, have received authorization to run an in-person sports betting service. As of now, your options are limited to horse racing, but this will change in the future.
Popular Sports to Bet at Columbus Exposition & Racing
| Horse Racing | Live Races from the Track |
|---|---|
| Triple Crown | Preakness Stakes, Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes |
| Breeders’ Cup | Dirt Mile, Juvenile Turf, Turf Spring |
| College Athletics | NFL, NBA, MLB |
| ...and many more | |
What Types of Bets Can I Make at Columbus Exposition & Racing?
As a sportsbook with traditions in betting, there are hardly any restrictions at Columbus Exposition & Racing. Before temporarily closing down, the established racetrack provided straight and exotic bets to patrons. Bets like Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Perfecta, and Daily Double were on the table. This package may be further expanded to other-sport-specific bets soon.
Columbus Exposition & Racing Sportsbook Details
The operator has not yet fully disclosed the details on their planned expansion, but, judging by their partners, expect to see a state-of-art simulcast wagering facility offering comprehensive coverage of coast-to-coast horse racing action and betting markets on all major sports. We will update this article once the information is out.
| Open Hours | Monday – Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Thursday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Betting Operator | Columbus Exposition & Racing |
| Live Betting | Available |
| Mobile Betting App | Available |
| Simulcast/Off-Track Betting Offered | Coming Soon |
| Betting Limits | $2 - Unspecified |
| Gambling Legal Age | 18+ |
| Seating Places | 4,000 |
| Entrance Fee | General Admissions - Free |
| Number of Screens/Info Tables | N/A |
Explore Columbus Exposition & Racing
Over the years, Columbus Exposition & Racing has been focused on horse racing alone. This is bound to change in the near future. No other than Harrah’s Entertainment – one of the major gambling companies in the world – will sponsor the construction of new buildings there – to include up to six restaurants and even a spa center.
Columbus Exposition & Racing Racetrack
The track was only half a mile long before it was extended to five furlongs in 1958, with new barns added in the process. A 4,000-capacity grandstand with an exhibition hall and a kitchen towers over the track. The current surface of the track is dirt but may be replaced with synthetic one during the reworking.
| Length of The Track | 5/8 of a Mile |
|---|---|
| Types of Races | Thoroughbred |
| Types of Bets | Win, Place, Show, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Daily Double |
| Capacity/Seating Places | 4,000 |
| Race Schedule | www.columbushorseracing.org |
| Entries and Results | www.columbushorseracing.org |
| Entrance Fee | General Admissions - Free |
Casino at Columbus Exposition & Racing
The Columbus Exposition & Racing Columbus sportsbook struck a landmark partnership with gambling giant Caesars Entertainment, the latter of which committed to sponsoring a state-of-the-art casino and simulcast wagering facility on Ag Park grounds. Earlier statements point toward a 40,000-square-feet facility with up to 400 slots, 20 table games, plus a restaurant and retail space.
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0 Slots
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0 Table Games
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0 Poker Tables
How to Get to the Columbus Exposition & Racing?
The Columbus Exposition & Racing sportsbook is located in Columbus, some 70 miles west of Omaha and 60 miles east of Grand Island. From Highway 30, turn left on 3rd Ave in Columbus, and then take the second right to the venue. From I80, take Hw81 northbound to Columbus. Take Hw30 and turn onto 15th Street to the venue.
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City Bus Lines
If you are not based in Columbus, Nebraska, but still want to enjoy a day of horse racing betting, you can take advantage of Trailways and Greyhound bus services. These two companies can take you to Columbus from most nearby towns and cities for affordable prices. Once there, you can grab a cab for the remainder of your trip.
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Airport Shuttle
Unfortunately, travelling by plane is not a convenient option. This venue does not provide a free shuttle service, and the nearest commercial airports to Columbus are Central Nebraska Regional Airport (63 miles away) and Lincoln Airport (79 miles). It is best to consider using other means of transportation.
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Parking
The Ag Expo complex has an abundance of parking spaces. So, there is enough room as it is. Dedicated parking space will be allocated to casino visitors once the project has come to fruition. It is not yet clear whether premium services, such as valet parking, will be on offer.
About Columbus Exposition & Racing Hotel
The beginnings of the track date back to 1941, when the newly created Society for Agricultural Park was formed. Courtesy of monetary and land gifts, the construction of the skeleton of what the track complex is today began. The first live race was held in 1942 – a tradition that continues to this date.
In 1987, live races from the Columbus track were the first to be simulcasted to neighboring towns’ OTB facilities. Despite this, dwindling revenues and competition have led to permanent or temporary closure of many tracks. In 2020, Columbus Exposition & Racing agreed to a partnership deal with Caesars Entertainment in a bid to restore past horse racing glory.
Columbus Exposition & Racing Amenities
As part of Ag Park, the Columbus Exposition & Racing sports betting establishment has a bag of treats on offer for every visitor. It hosts a number of special events a year. For example, if fancy strikes you, you can visit shows like Team Roping, Swap Meets, Antique Shows, Barrel Racing, and various fundraisers, to name a few.
And that’s not all. The County Fair is a spectacle on its own – held every July. It has plenty of fun activities for the little ones if you want to bring them along. Last but not least, you can rent buildings to host your public or private events – weddings, reunions, conventions, and business meetings.
| Accommodation | N/A Hotel Rooms |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | In-House Restaurant, |
| Bars | In-House Bar, |
| Address | Agricultural Park 822, 15th St., Columbus, NE 68601 |
|---|---|
| cer@frontier.com | |
| Phone | 402-562-8009 |
| Website | www.columbushorseracing.org |
| Social Networks | Facebook, Twitter |
FAQ
What sportsbook does Columbus Exposition & Racing use?
Columbus Exposition & Racing is a racebook in Columbus, Nebraska, that has been providing at least one day of live horse racing for the past 60 years. Plans for improvements to the track and the addition of a new casino complex are active as of 2021.
How to get free drinks at Columbus Exposition & Racing sportsbook?
At the time of writing this Columbus Exposition & Racing sportsbook review, the establishment did not have a free drinks service for patrons. This may change when the new casino is built by the end of 2022. We will update this article as soon as this happens.
When is Columbus Exposition & Racing sportsbook open?
As the venue is in a transitional phase, it is best to contact them to learn about their opening hours. Current Columbus Exposition & Racing sportsbook hours – as stated on their website – are Monday – Wednesday 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Thursday – Sunday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Are children allowed at the Columbus Exposition & Racing sports betting establishment?
Housed by Ag Park, Columbus Exposition & Racing is a place that families with children will enjoy. While gambling services will be off-limits to the little ones, they will find it exciting to visit the annual fair, which is held every July. Read the ’explore venue’ section to discover the options.
What types of bets can you make at the Columbus Exposition & Racing sportsbook?
The betting package at this venue contains straight and exotic bets. Straight bets like Win, Place, and Show, are the more popular choices among bettors with less experience – but not always. Exotics like Exacta and Superfecta are a bit more rewarding but pose more risk along with that.
What is the Columbus Exposition & Racing sportsbook address?
The Columbus Exposition & Racing sportsbook is located in Columbus, Nebraska. It’s one of the six licensed tracks in the state. The exact address is Agricultural Park 822, 15th St., Columbus, NE 68601. GPS coordinates are Latitude: 41.431078; Longitude: -97.338871. Read the directions section to find out how to get there.
Are there any other gambling services besides sports betting at Columbus Exposition & Racing ?
At present, no other gambling forms besides betting on horses are available at Columbus Exposition & Racing. As soon as the new casino complex is built, you will also find classic casino games, and slot machines among the options.
What is the minimum age to visit Columbus Exposition & Racing sports betting?
In the state of Nebraska, the legal age for gambling on horses is 19. If you are below that age, you will be able to watch the races but won’t be allowed to place wagers. Check out their amenities to find out what services are available to you.
Can I parlay any bets at Columbus Exposition & Racing sportsbook?
Parlays are currently not offered by Columbus Exposition & Racing. Supported bet types are Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Superfecta, and Trifecta. With the expected addition of sports betting (betting on Football, Basketball, Baseball, etc.), you will also have point spread, totals, and more at your disposal.
Disclaimer: In regards to any changes related to the information of sportsbooks, we won't be held responsible if such differences occur. We advise our readers to double-check the official site of the betting location for most accurate information.