Harrah’s Oklahoma, a long-awaited casino development, is set to open its doors on April 9, 2026. Located off historic Route 66 in Chandler, the new casino is a joint venture between the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma and Caesars Entertainment, marking the first Caesars-managed property in the state. The project is expected to significantly boost the region’s economy, create hundreds of jobs, and offer both gaming and entertainment experiences.

A State-of-the-Art Gaming Experience

Harrah’s Oklahoma will feature a 100,000-square-foot facility, with its first phase showcasing a 48,500-square-foot gaming floor. The property will house 1,000 slot machines and 12 table games, including blackjack and roulette. A high-limit gaming area will also be available for those seeking an exclusive betting experience. The casino aims to provide a Las Vegas-style atmosphere with a variety of dining options, bars, and entertainment.

Joe Scibetta, the senior vice president and general manager of Harrah’s Oklahoma, expressed excitement about the upcoming opening, stating, “This opening has been years in the making, and we’re so excited to be in the home stretch before opening our doors and sharing the Harrah’s experience with the community.” The casino will bring the full Caesars Entertainment experience, offering guests the opportunity to earn and redeem Caesars Rewards points at properties nationwide, including in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Lake Tahoe.

The partnership with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma is expected to bring significant economic growth to the area, with plans for more than 300 new jobs in fields such as gaming, hospitality, food and beverage, and security. The casino’s opening is seen as a major step in the tribe’s ongoing efforts to reinvest revenue into the local community, including education, infrastructure, and essential services. As reported by KTUL, Jake Keyes, chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, said, “This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for the Iowa Tribe. Harrah’s Oklahoma will create employment and economic growth opportunities, support local businesses, and strengthen our ability to reinvest in education, infrastructure and essential services for our people.”

In addition to gaming, the resort plans to expand with a hotel and convention space in the future, further boosting the region’s potential as a destination for tourism and business events. The investment in the community is seen as a key driver of both short-term economic benefits and long-term growth.

Future Development and Job Creation

In total, Harrah’s Oklahoma is expected to create over 300 full-time jobs, with positions spanning various departments, including hospitality, facilities, and security. A number of hiring events are planned, and the casino will provide additional details on employment opportunities in the coming weeks.

The future hotel development, set for the second phase, will add more amenities, offering accommodation for visitors who wish to stay and enjoy the entertainment options the casino will provide. The introduction of the hotel, combined with the extensive gaming and dining options, positions Harrah’s Oklahoma as a new cornerstone in the state’s tourism and entertainment landscape.

The opening of Harrah’s Oklahoma follows a broader trend of expanding gaming options in the state. The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma already operates several casinos, including the Cimarron Casino in Perkins and the Ioway Casino in Chandler. Harrah’s Oklahoma represents the tribe’s largest and most ambitious gaming project to date.

By partnering with Caesars Entertainment, one of the most recognized brands in the gaming industry, the Iowa Tribe aims to bring a premium experience to the region, attracting both local visitors and travelers from across the country. The collaboration with Caesars also ensures that Harrah’s Oklahoma benefits from a wealth of industry expertise and resources.