Poker Writer
Harrah’s Oklahoma will be the first Caesars-owned property in the state, as announced, opening its doors on April 9th following development in partnership with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. Located in Chandler, Okla., the casino will be about 50 miles from the state capital, Oklahoma City, on Route 66.
The casino promotes itself as a Las Vegas-style gaming and dining experience featuring 12 table games and over 1,000 slot machines. A future hotel will be on site, with several entertainment options to come as the casino becomes more established.
Partnering With a Local Tribe to Enter the Oklahoma Market
Oklahoma casinos have strong ties to local Indian tribes. No Caesar’s property previously existed due to the dominance of established, locally-operated tribal casinos.
The partnership with the Iowa Tribe is meant to help economic growth and community investment for the tribe. Jake Keyes, Chairman of the Iowa Tribe made a statement on its importance:
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. We are proud to welcome this destination to our land and to the broader Oklahoma community.
Caesars Joins Long List of Oklahoma Casinos
Harrah’s Oklahoma will be one of the many casinos in the Sooner State, which is no stranger to big casino resorts. There are more than 143 casinos in the state, the second-most out of any state, only behind Nevada’s 232.
Many of the largest ones in Oklahoma exist near the Texas border, looking to draw people from the Lone Star State.
- Choctaw Casino & Resort is a large one in Durant and run by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. It hosts one of the largest WSOP Circuit stops three times annually.
- WinStar World Casino is another large one in Thackerville, also right on the Texas border. It is run by the Chickasaw Nation.
Overall, the 143 are owned by 33 different tribes. Casinos are the state’s largest industry outside of natural oil and gas.
