Harrah's to Open First Oklahoma Casino in Chandler

The new Harrah's Oklahoma Casino, a partnership between the Iowa Tribe and Caesar's Entertainment, is set to open on April 9.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:33am

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The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma is partnering with Caesar's Entertainment to open the new Harrah's Oklahoma Casino in Chandler, the first property in Oklahoma managed by Harrah's. The projected open date is April 9, and the currently existing Ioway Casino closed in March to make way for the new operation.

Why it matters

The new Harrah's casino represents a significant investment and upgrade from the previous Ioway Casino, bringing the well-known Harrah's brand and entertainment experience to the Chandler area, which has limited casino and entertainment options currently. The project is expected to create hundreds of new jobs for the local community.

The details

The new Harrah's Oklahoma Casino will feature 12 table games, 1,000 slot machines, a high-limit gaming area, two restaurants (Dash Cafe and Arrow & Ember), and a full-service sports bar. The casino is located just outside of Chandler proper, but is expected to draw customers from the surrounding towns of Stroud, Wellston, and Harrah. Hiring is still ongoing, with a focus on recruiting from the immediate local area.

  • The Ioway Casino closed in March 2026 to make way for the new Harrah's Oklahoma Casino.
  • The new Harrah's Oklahoma Casino is projected to open on April 9, 2026.

The players

Jake Keyes

Chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma and owner of Skydance Brewing Company.

Joe Scibetta

Senior vice president and GM of Harrah's Oklahoma, a subsidiary of Caesar's Entertainment.

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What they’re saying

“I think the name is just a variation based on how some previous generations pronounced the name. Our legal name is The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma.”

— Jake Keyes, Chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma

“The Caesar's Entertainment and Harrah's brands are built around fun, energy, gambling, and entertainment. We're excited to offer this experience in Chandler. We are aware there aren't a ton of other options in the area, and we're hoping our casino and restaurants can offer great options for locals and customers who make the drive.”

— Joe Scibetta, Senior vice president and GM of Harrah's Oklahoma

What’s next

The new Harrah's Oklahoma Casino is scheduled to open with soft launches and previews at the end of March 2026, leading up to the official grand opening on April 9, 2026. An adjacent Harrah's branded hotel is also expected to open sometime in 2027, creating an additional 150 new jobs.

The takeaway

The arrival of the Harrah's brand in Chandler represents a significant economic development for the area, bringing new entertainment options, hundreds of jobs, and a boost to the local hospitality industry. It also highlights the ongoing partnerships between Native American tribes and major casino operators like Caesar's Entertainment.