You’re walking down Canal Street. The humidity in New Orleans usually hits you like a wet wool blanket, but right at the edge of the French Quarter, there’s a massive stone building that promises something else entirely. Cold AC. The chime of slot machines. That specific smell of high-end floor wax and nervous energy. Harrah's Casino New Orleans has been the anchor of that corner for decades, but if you haven’t been there in the last year, you basically don't know the place anymore.
It’s currently undergoing a massive $325 million transformation to become Caesars New Orleans. It’s a mess of construction tape and brand-new luxury finishes.
Most people think of it as just a place to lose twenty bucks on a blackjack table before heading to Bourbon Street. They’re wrong. It’s actually the only land-based casino in Louisiana that isn't on a riverboat or a "floating" barge. That legal distinction is huge. It’s why the layout feels like a massive European hall instead of a cramped boat.
The Weird Legal History You Probably Didn't Know
Louisiana gaming laws are a headache. Most casinos in the state are required by old statutes to be over water. This led to the hilarious "boats to nowhere" era where casinos would literally just sit in a pond. But Harrah's Casino New Orleans is different. It’s a land-based entity, granted a special charter by the state.
This hasn't always been smooth sailing. The casino actually went bust shortly after its first iteration in the 90s. It was too big, too expensive, and the city wasn't ready. Now? It’s the heartbeat of the foot of Canal. When you walk in, you aren't just in a gambling hall; you're in a massive revenue engine for the city of New Orleans.
What’s Actually Inside Right Now?
If you go today, you'll see the bones of the old Harrah's and the skin of the new Caesars.
The floor is massive. We're talking 115,000 square feet. You've got over 1,100 slot machines, which sounds like a lot until you realize how quickly they fill up on a Saturday night when the Saints are playing at home. Speaking of the Saints, the Caesars Sportsbook inside is basically a secular cathedral for football fans. It’s got a 147-foot video wall. It is loud. It is intense. If you’re looking for a quiet place to read a book, this ain't it.
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The table games are where the real New Orleans flavor comes out. You’ll hear dealers shouting in that local Yat accent. You’ll see people in tuxedos standing next to guys in cargo shorts who just came from a crawfish boil.
- Poker Room: It’s one of the biggest in the region. They run World Series of Poker (WSOP) events here.
- Table Variety: Baccarat, Craps, Roulette, and a ton of Blackjack variations.
- The Vibe: It’s less "James Bond in Macau" and more "Your uncle just won big and is buying everyone a round of Abita beer."
Eating Your Way Through the Floor
Food at Harrah's Casino New Orleans used to be an afterthought. A buffet, maybe a sad sandwich. Not anymore.
The celebrity chef wave hit this place hard. You’ve got Nina Compton—local legend from Top Chef—running Compère Lapin nearby, but inside the actual casino footprint, the focus is on the heavy hitters. Emeril Lagasse opened his first-ever French-inspired steakhouse here, Emeril’s Brasserie. It’s fancy. It’s expensive. The steak frites will make you want to weep.
Then there's the Food Hall. It’s a bit more "grab and go," but it features Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay. It’s fine for a quick hit of protein between heater rounds at the craps table, but honestly, if you have the time, sit down at the Brasserie.
The Caesars Rebrand: More Than Just a Name Change
Why spend $325 million to change a name?
Branding. Caesars is the "prestige" arm of the company. By turning Harrah's Casino New Orleans into Caesars, they are signaling to the high rollers in Vegas and Atlantic City that New Orleans is now a "Tier 1" destination.
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They are adding a whole new hotel tower. 340 rooms. It’s going to tower over the Mississippi River. The goal is to keep people on-site. Historically, people would gamble at Harrah's and then go stay at the Windsor Court or the Monteleone. Caesars wants you to sleep where you play.
The renovations have been clunky for visitors. Some entrances are blocked. The noise of drills sometimes competes with the slot machine jingles. But the finished sections? They look slick. Darker woods, more gold accents, better lighting. It feels less like a 1990s mall and more like a modern luxury resort.
The "Local" Factor
New Orleans is a city that hates change. Locals are skeptical of everything. When the casino first opened, people worried it would kill the local restaurant scene.
It didn't.
Instead, it became a weirdly essential part of the ecosystem. It provides thousands of jobs. It pays a massive lease to the city. During Mardi Gras, the area around the casino is "Ground Zero" for the big parades like Endymion and Bacchus. The casino actually serves as a localized refuge for people looking to escape the parade crowds for a clean bathroom and a drink that isn't served in a plastic go-cup.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Don't be a rookie.
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- Parking is a trap: If you don't have a Caesars Rewards card, parking in the garage can be insanely expensive. However, if you play for even thirty minutes, you can usually get your parking validated. Check the kiosks.
- The Dress Code: Technically, it’s casual. But don't show up looking like you just rolled out of bed. New Orleans loves a bit of flair.
- The Rewards Card: Even if you hate "tracking," get the card. It’s the only way to get the discounts on the food and the free parking.
- Smoking: Louisiana laws are strict. The main floor is smoke-free, which is a godsend for your lungs, but there are designated outdoor smoking patios with slots if that’s your thing.
Is It Worth the Trip?
Honestly, it depends on what you want.
If you want a quiet, sterile gambling environment, go to a suburban casino in another state. Harrah's Casino New Orleans is chaotic. It’s loud. It’s deeply connected to the energy of the city. You might see a brass band second-lining through the lobby. You will definitely see people wearing glitter at 10:00 AM.
It’s a place of extremes. You can lose your shirt or have the best meal of your life. With the transition to Caesars New Orleans nearly complete, the "cheap" elements of the old Harrah's are fading away. It’s becoming more polished, more expensive, and definitely more "Vegas."
Whether that’s a good thing is up to you. But as far as land-based gaming goes in the South, there isn't anything else quite like it.
Next Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip, your first move should be downloading the Caesars Rewards app. Check your "offers" tab before you book a room anywhere else in the city; often, even low-level players get "teaser" rates for the New Orleans property that beat the Marriott or the Sheraton next door. Once you arrive, head straight to the promotional kiosk to validate your parking—don't wait until you're leaving and stuck with a $50 bill. Finally, make a reservation for Emeril’s Brasserie at least two weeks out if you're coming on a weekend. The walk-in wait times are brutal since the rebrand started drawing larger crowds.