Caesars opens Harrah’s Oklahoma as its first state casino
Caesars Entertainment has entered Oklahoma’s retail casino market with the official opening of Harrah’s Oklahoma, a new brick-and-mortar property developed in partnership with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma.
Located in Chandler, approximately 50 miles from Oklahoma City, the new venue marks Caesars’ first managed property in the state and introduces a new gaming and entertainment destination for both residents and visitors.
New retail casino opens in Chandler
Harrah’s Oklahoma spans 173,000 square feet and features more than 1,000 slot machines alongside 12 table games. The property also includes a high-limit gaming area, multiple bars and a range of dining options designed to cater to different visitor preferences.
Among the food and beverage outlets, Arrow & Ember offers contemporary American cuisine including triple pepper steak, lobster bisque and a jalapeno-popper burger. Dash Café provides quicker meal options such as smashburgers, pizza and breakfast burritos, with the added flexibility for guests to bring food into the on-site sports bar.
Guests at the property can also access Caesars’ loyalty ecosystem through Caesars Rewards®, allowing them to earn and redeem Reward Credits both at Harrah’s Oklahoma and at other destinations across the company’s portfolio, including Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Lake Tahoe and New Orleans.
The opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by tribal leaders and Caesars executives. The event included live entertainment, local appearances and a fireworks display. Football figures Barry Switzer and Bob Stoops participated in ceremonial first-play moments on the casino floor.
“This is a milestone moment for our team, our partners and the Chandler community,” said Joe Scibetta, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Harrah’s Oklahoma. “We’re proud to officially open our doors and introduce a destination that delivers the Harrah’s experience while creating something new and exciting for Oklahoma.”
Partnership and development details
The project was developed through a partnership agreement between Caesars Entertainment and the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, with both parties sharing the $40 million development cost equally. Ahead of the opening, the Iowa Tribe closed Ioway Casino in March. The new Harrah’s Oklahoma property is larger and includes expanded gaming and hospitality space.
The collaboration highlights a broader model of tribal and corporate partnerships within the US gaming sector, combining operational expertise with local economic development initiatives.
Jake Keyes, Chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, said the project represents a long-term investment in community growth. “This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to economic growth and opportunity for our people,” he said. “Harrah’s Oklahoma brings new energy to our community and creates meaningful opportunities for future generations.”
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, many players are also exploring digital platforms such as best US online casinos to complement traditional land-based experiences.
Jobs and regional economic impact
The new casino is expected to generate more than 300 jobs across multiple areas, including gaming operations, hospitality, food and beverage services, security and administrative roles.
Beyond employment, the property is positioned as a tourism anchor along the Route 66 corridor, offering an additional attraction for travellers passing through Oklahoma. The location is expected to contribute to increased visitor traffic and provide a new source of gaming-related tax revenue for the state.
The development highlights how new casino projects contribute to job creation and regional economic activity, particularly in locations with established travel routes.
Broader Caesars expansion activity
The Oklahoma launch is part of Caesars Entertainment’s activity in 2026. The company will report its first-quarter financial results on 28 April 2026, followed by a conference call.
Earlier last month in March, Caesars opened a retail sportsbook at The Resort at Summerlin, its first in-person Caesars Sportsbook location in that area, with former Vegas Golden Knights player Deryk Engelland placing a ceremonial first bet.
Caesars operates a portfolio of casino and hospitality brands, including Caesars, Harrah’s, Horseshoe and Eldorado, alongside mobile and online gaming services connected through its Caesars Rewards® programme.
With the addition of Harrah’s Oklahoma, the company extends its land-based footprint while reinforcing its partnership-led approach to entering new regional markets.
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