The newly opened Caesars Sportsbar at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino builds on Harrah’s legacy while honoring the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s rich heritage. The first phase of the 10-month renovation was recently completed, revealing a 3,162-square-foot Sportsbar in the former Laural Lounge. The Sportsbar features two betting kiosks, 10 TVs, six LED video walls that support up to 56 games simultaneously, and seating for 146, including 10 at the bar. The renovation advances the casino’s long-term vision of innovation, job growth and community impact.

The project supports local jobs, boosts tourism, and enhances entertainment offerings in the region, according to Michael Kintner, the casino’s senior vice president and general manager.

“It underscores our mission to provide exceptional hospitality while remaining a significant economic partner to the community.”

DEEPER DIVE: 2026 RED Awards: Hospitality project of the year finalists

WANT MORE REAL ESTATE NEWS? Get our free newsletter here

Throughout the planning process, the construction team closely adhered to Caesars’ brand color code for sportsbooks and sports bars by creating a materials palette that complements the Pantone colors black, emerald green, and gold, says Rick Marencic, design principal/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.”

Dark woods recall the nostalgic, club-like atmosphere of neighborhood bars where a single-color TV with rabbit ears broadcast one game at a time, Marencic adds. The emerald green of the vinyl evokes turf, reminiscent of the “Field of Dreams.”

“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, the casino’s senior vice president and general manager, says the designers did “an excellent job” on the elevated, approachable space. He says the project is in the “multimillions.”

Artwork is important to the project. Local artists created pieces that reflect the significance of sports in the Ak-Chin community. Memorabilia and historic photos of Ak-Chin Lobos baseball players are displayed throughout the restaurant.

Near the entry, a full-height, digitally printed 16- by 10-foot vinyl wallcovering marketing wall will capture guest attention with Caesars/Harrah’s brand-positioning content. The artwork will reflect seasonal promotions and events. The Ak-Chin Indian Community’s Arts and Design Committee selected the artwork.

“The members of the Arts and Design Committee reviewed every fabric, every tile,” says 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.”

When sports betting was legalized in Arizona, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino added a “small sports book area,” Kintner says.

“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.”

Those younger than 21 may enter the restaurant with an adult. The elevated food offerings were created by executive chef Colin Ribble and hospitality director Nathan Kinslinger.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino means business

The casino’s last major expansion, completed in 2019, was a three-year project that added a 12-story hotel tower with 529 rooms, and a spa and fitness center. It also included an 18,000-square-foot multiuse entertainment space for live shows, weddings, and banquets, a multi-story parking garage and renovations to the pool and swim-up bar.

Maricopa’s largest employer, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, is notable as Arizona’s first and only tribal casino to partner with an international management company.

Operated under the Caesars Entertainment brand, the property is also the only Arizona casino that offers guests access to Caesars Rewards, its loyalty program. The benefits and prizes can be redeemed at Caesars locations worldwide.

“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.”

The casino’s Arizona executive team works closely with the Ak-Chin Tribal Council, Kintner explains. The team reports to the council quarterly and attends annual meetings. The casino offers an array of gaming options, including bingo, craps, sports betting, slot machines, video poker, video keno and blackjack.

In addition to its diverse gaming offerings, Harrah’s Ak-Chin offers a delightful culinary experience with dining options including the Copper Cactus Grill, Chop, Block & Brew, Oak & Fork, Agave’s Restaurant and Dunkin’.

Expanded gaming and a slate of new upgrades will roll out in two phases over this year and next, including the debut of an additional bar. Between the two phases, guests will also be greeted by a striking 75‑foot monument marquee sign.

“Each phase is scheduled to strategically minimize disruption and continually improve the guest experience,” Kintner says. “We deliver an elevated level of service and a great loyalty program to our valued customers.”