“Feeling lucky?” a voice calls out from the crowd. Welcome to Caesars New Orleans. Previously known as Harrah’s New Orleans it stands as Louisiana’s sole land-based casino.
Harrah’s opened its doors in 1999. It quickly became a cornerstone of New Orleans’ entertainment scene. This casino spans four city blocks. It offers an impressive 115000 square feet of gaming space.
Originally the brainchild of Christopher Hemmeter Harrah’s aimed to be “the world’s largest casino”. Hemmeter envisioned a design reminiscent of Monte Carlo’s famed casino. The casino promised to attract one million additional visitors each year.
However the road to completion wasn’t easy. A temporary casino opened in the Municipal Auditorium. It faced immediate challenges including a flood. Revenue projections fell short. Concerns arose about attracting locals instead of tourists.
Construction on the permanent facility faced setbacks. Harrah’s Jazz filed for bankruptcy. Harrah’s Entertainment eventually took over. They scaled back the project. But they finally opened Harrah’s New Orleans Casino in 1999.
Harrah’s featured New Orleans and Mardi Gras theming. Ornate busts murals and French Quarter facades adorned the casino. There was a nightclub bars a theater and a steakhouse.
Initially Harrah’s rented hotel rooms for guests. In 2006 the casino opened its own 27-story hotel tower with 450 rooms. This offered convenience to visitors.
In 2015 Harrah’s New Orleans went smoke-free inside. Outdoor smoking patios were added for smokers. These allowed gamblers to smoke and play.
In 2020 Eldorado Resorts acquired Caesars Entertainment. Vici Properties bought the real estate. They leased it back to Caesars Entertainment. In May 2024 Harrah’s officially became Caesars New Orleans. A $325 million upgrade is underway with renovations expected to be completed by November 1 2024. A new hotel tower is coming. An expanded sportsbook and high-limit room are planned. Caesars New Orleans continues to evolve.
Caesars New Orleans is more than just a casino. It is a destination. A place where luck history and entertainment meet. With its prime location diverse amenities and ongoing renovations Caesars New Orleans promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city. So step inside try your luck and become a part of the ongoing story of Caesars New Orleans.