LAS VEGAS (Las Vegas News) — Caesars Entertainment and the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma have officially opened Harrah’s Oklahoma on April 9, marking the first Caesars-managed gaming property in the state and a major milestone for Oklahoma’s tribal gaming industry.
Located along historic Route 66 near Chandler, between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the new casino is positioned as a regional entertainment destination aimed at attracting both local and out-of-state visitors.
The grand opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring tribal leadership, Caesars executives and community stakeholders, alongside live entertainment, ceremonial first-play moments and a fireworks finale.
Oklahoma football figures Barry Switzer and Bob Stoops participated in ceremonial gaming activities, helping mark the launch of operations and drawing regional attention to the event.
The property spans roughly 100,000 square feet, including a gaming floor featuring approximately 1,000 slot machines, 12 table games and a high-limit area, along with multiple dining venues and bars. A hotel and expanded resort amenities are planned as part of a future development phase.
The project, estimated at approximately $200 million, reflects a growing trend of partnerships between tribal nations and major commercial gaming operators to scale operations and enhance competitiveness in regional markets.
Officials say the development is expected to generate new jobs and drive tourism to the area, while providing long-term economic benefits for the Iowa Tribe and surrounding communities.
“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter,” tribal leadership said in prior statements, emphasizing the project’s role in supporting economic growth, infrastructure, and essential services.
Caesars executives described the opening as part of a broader expansion strategy focused on tribal partnerships, leveraging the company’s national brand, operational expertise, and customer loyalty ecosystem to attract visitors.
Oklahoma is one of the largest tribal gaming markets in the United States, and the launch of Harrah’s Oklahoma introduces a nationally recognized brand into an already competitive landscape.
The opening signals potential for additional Caesars-managed developments in the state, as demand for regional gaming and entertainment destinations continues to grow.
