A multimillion-dollar renovation at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino enters its first phase with the opening of a new Caesars Sportsbar.
The 3,162-square-foot venue occupies the former Laural Lounge and introduces two betting kiosks, 10 televisions, and six LED video walls capable of displaying up to 56 games simultaneously. Seating capacity reaches 146, including 10 seats at the bar.
Michael Kintner, Senior Vice President and General Manager, said the project forms part of a 10-month renovation tied to ongoing property development linked to operations, employment, and community engagement.
“It underscores our mission to provide exceptional hospitality while remaining a significant economic partner to the community.”
Next phases and property plans
Further upgrades are scheduled across two phases this year and next. Plans include the addition of another bar and a 75-foot monument marquee sign at the property entrance.
“Each phase is scheduled to strategically minimize disruption and continually improve the guest experience,” Kintner said. “We deliver an elevated level of service and a great loyalty program to our valued customers.”
The casino previously completed a major development in 2019, a three-year project that added a 12-story hotel tower with 529 rooms, along with a spa and fitness center. The same project introduced an 18,000-square-foot multiuse entertainment venue for live shows, weddings, and banquets, a multi-level parking garage, and updates to the pool and swim-up bar.
Sports betting rollout in Arizona
Following the legalization of sports betting in Arizona, the property introduced a smaller sportsbook area. The new sports bar provides additional seating and viewing space alongside dining service.
“It is very successful, but we wanted to create another space to sit down, watch games and experience sports. We needed another restaurant and wanted to enhance the overall experience for all guests. Caesars Sportsbar complements everything else we do here. We’re excited to offer this to our guests,” Kintner said.
Guests under 21 may enter the restaurant with an adult. Menu development was led by executive chef Colin Ribble and hospitality director Nathan Kinslinger.
Design standards and build efficiency
The project followed Caesars sportsbook branding guidelines, incorporating black, emerald green, and gold into the materials palette, according to Rick Marencic, design principal and studio leader at JCJ Architecture.
“From this starting point, we selected porcelain tiles, wood, stone, vinyl, and paint that subtly underscore the importance of the brand’s visual parameters. Light woods echo the colors of vintage Louisville Slugger bats, bleachers, and gym floors.”
Marencic said darker wood elements reference traditional bar interiors, while green vinyl surfaces draw from sports field imagery.
“By nature, we planned the venue to be efficient, providing ample corridors, reusing existing walls and ceiling heights,” Marencic says. “These simple layouts and straightforward rectilinear spatial designs for the walls and ceiling minimize material and construction time waste, all of which contribute to an on-budget project.”
Kintner said the project required a multimillion-dollar investment and described the space as accessible for guests.
Community artwork and local input
Artwork created by local artists is installed throughout the venue, with a focus on sports within the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Memorabilia and historic images of Ak-Chin Lobos baseball players are included.
A 16-by-10-foot digital wall near the entrance presents Caesars and Harrah’s brand content and rotates seasonal promotions and events. The Ak-Chin Indian Community’s Arts and Design Committee selected the artwork and reviewed materials used in the project.
“The members of the Arts and Design Committee reviewed every fabric, every tile,” said April Tawney, the casino’s director of facilities and surveillance. “It’s so meaningful that the Community played a part in the selection process. You can really see that a lot of love and thought went into the process. There’s a nod to the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s sports history.”
Operations structure and loyalty program
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino operates under the Caesars Entertainment brand through a partnership with the Ak-Chin Indian Community and remains the only tribal casino in Arizona managed by an international gaming company. The property is the largest employer in Maricopa.
The casino participates in Caesars Rewards, allowing guests to redeem benefits across more than 50 locations in the US.
“Caesars Entertainment manages the business for the community,” Kintner says. “And our rewards program unlocks benefits at 50-plus properties across the United States — Las Vegas, Atlantic City, from Chicago to Florida, California to Louisiana, and everywhere in between.”
Kintner said the Arizona executive team works with the Ak-Chin Tribal Council through quarterly reporting and annual meetings.
Gaming options at the property include bingo, craps, sports betting, slot machines, video poker, video keno, and blackjack. Dining outlets include Copper Cactus Grill, Chop, Block & Brew, Oak & Fork, Agave’s Restaurant, and Dunkin’.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/03/24/118198-harrahs-akchin-casino-opens-caesars-sportsbar-in-phased-renovation-project
