Caesars Entertainment made its first foray into Oklahoma’s retail casino market with the opening of a new brick-and-mortar facility.
The entertainment and hospitality giant has officially opened Harrah’s Oklahoma, a retail casino backed by the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. Harrah’s Oklahoma provides state residents and visitors with a new property that houses more than 1,000 slot machines. The 173,000-square-foot casino also provides visitors with access to 12 table games.
In addition to gaming, Harrah’s Oklahoma also houses several bars and restaurants. The casino is located in Chandler, approximately 50 miles outside of Oklahoma City.
“This is a milestone moment for our team, our partners and the Chandler community,” said Harrah’s Oklahoma Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Scibetta. “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”.
Oklahoma has welcomed Caesars after the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma picked the Las Vegas-based company as a partner for a new retail casino development in the Sooner State. The partnership included terms to equally split the cost of the $40m brick-and-mortar casino.
As part of the development plan to debut Harrah’s Oklahoma, the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma closed the doors of its retail casino, Ioway Casino, in March ahead of the new opening. Harrah’s Oklahoma is significantly larger than the now-shuttered Ioway Casino.
Potential impact of Caesars’ new retail casino
Caesars’ new property is poised to benefit the Oklahoma community. The facility is projected to bring more than 300 jobs to Oklahoma’s employment market. The new opportunities support gaming, security, hospitality and administrative operations.
“This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to economic growth and opportunity for our people,” said the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Chairman Jake Keyes. “Harrah’s Oklahoma brings new energy to our community and creates meaningful opportunities for future generations”.
Harrah’s Oklahoma is also expected to give the state a fresh injection of tax revenue from gaming with its location along Route 66, providing travelers with a new gaming option.
Caesars celebrated the opening of its first Oklahoma property with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with ceremonial first bets placed by football legends Barry Switzer and Bob Stoops.
