Caesars Entertainment Opens First Casino in Oklahoma With Native American Tribe
Posted on: April 10, 2026, 11:32h.
Last updated on: April 10, 2026, 11:32h.
- Harrah’s Oklahoma is open in Chandler
- The tribal casino is a joint partnership between the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma and Caesars Entertainment
- Chandler marks Caesars Entertainment’s first property in the Sooner State
Caesars Entertainment is among the nation’s largest and most recognized casino operators, with more than 50 properties across 18 states. After decades in business, the Caesars Palace Las Vegas operator has at long last secured entry into Oklahoma, among the largest tribal gaming markets in the country.
Nearly three years ago, the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma selected Caesars as its development and management partner for the Native American community’s largest casino investment endeavor, a 45,000-square-foot gaming floor with more than 1,000 slot machines, a high-limit gaming room, and a dozen live dealer table games. Caesars and the tribe were equal financiers of the $40 million standalone casino.
Harrah’s Oklahoma opened this week in Chandler, roughly 40 miles northeast of Oklahoma City.
This is a milestone moment for our team, our partners, and the Chandler community. 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,” said Joe Scibetta, SVP and general manager of Harrah’s Oklahoma.
“This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to economic growth and opportunity for our people,” added Jake Keyes, chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. “Harrah’s Oklahoma brings new energy to our community and creates meaningful opportunities for future generations.”
Oklahoma football legends Bob Stoops, who was the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners from 1999 to 2016, winning the National Championship in 2000, and Barry Switzer, who led the Sooners to the National Championship in 1974, 1975, and 1985, played the first hands of blackjack at Harrah’s Oklahoma.
Future Plans
The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma shuttered its Ioway Casino, a much smaller gaming facility, to make way for Harrah’s Oklahoma. With the Harrah’s name expected to draw regional crowds, the tribe and Caesars have more in store for the destination.
If play warrants such demand, Harrah’s Oklahoma has a blueprint in place to construct a hotel with up to 200 guestrooms. The current casino opened with a variety of restaurants and bars, including Arrow & Ember, which offers contemporary American fare, the Dash Café for grab and go, and a sports bar.
Harrah’s Oklahoma is projected to create over 300 positions across gaming, hospitality, food and beverage, facilities management, security, and administration.
Oklahoma Tribal Casinos
In the 2025 fiscal year, Oklahoma’s Native American communities generated gross gaming revenue in excess of $3.64 billion. The state received more than $221 million in exclusivity fees stemming from the tribes’ Class III gaming compacts that require them to share a portion of the slot and non-house-banked table game revenue with the state.
Oklahoma is among the richest tribal gaming states, along with California, Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, Oregon, and New York.
No comments yet