Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino near Maricopa, Arizona recently observed its 25th anniversary. Ground was broken on May 26, 1994 and the facility opened seven months later. Chairman Robert Miguel said, “In the beginning, some people were skeptical about gaming in our backyard because we didn’t know what problems might arise. We were always farmers. Gaming was something new.” However, the casino, hotel, restaurants and entertainment venues have created more than 900 jobs. “It has been a great relationship. It has done wonders for us,” Miguel said.
A $180 million renovation and expansion project recently was completed, adding a new 229-room hotel tower that brings the total to 529. The project also included a remodeled lobby, two new restaurants, expanded garage space, new 2,000-seat concert/events center, new spa/fitness center and the first bingo hall in the Caesars Entertainment Corporation network. In addition, the remodel include new sprinklers and plumbing infrastructure. Marketing and Operations Director Mike Kintner said, “No part of the building was untouched.”
General Manager Robert Livingston said more than 700,000 people visit the Harrah’s Ak-Chin every year. He said it’s the only Caesars property, owned, leased or managed, in Arizona, and also was the company’s first and now longest-lasting management agreement with a Native American tribe. Miguel said the tribe reached out to the company. “When gaming first came to Arizona, we decided we needed a name brand,” he said.
Ak-Chin casino revenue has helped finance health care services and youth and elder programs, Miguel said. “People here have come to understand that gaming has been a blessing,” he added.
