Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino closes temporarily due to COVID-19

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The Ak-Chin Indian Community recently announced that Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino will temporarily close as of Thursday, March 19, at 4 a.m. in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resort reservations made during this temporary closure will be cancelled, and guests will receive full refunds for any deposits paid. Those with third-party reservations made through travel agencies or other travel partners should contact the third party to cancel. All dining and spa reservations have also been cancelled. Though plans could change, for now, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino will stay closed through April 2.

“The Ak-Chin Indian Community and the management team of Harrah’s Ak-Chin … decided to temporarily close the casino and hotel to mitigate the potential for COVID-19 at our property,” said Robert Livingston, general manager. Harrah’s Ak-Chin had already implemented “social distancing” protocol and enhanced procedures, Livingston added. But as one of the largest employers in Pinal County, and to help ensure the health and safety of employees and guests, the local management team felt that a temporary closure was the best option.

Employees of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino will continue to be paid, and their benefits eligibility will not be interrupted for up to two weeks without needing to use vacation or sick time.

This decision came with full support of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Council. While Caesars Entertainment announced closures of its casinos earlier in the week, the ultimate decision to close Harrah’s Ak-Chin was made by the Tribal Council.

The Events Center at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino also plans to postpone its shows at least through the end of the month. Gary Allan, who was scheduled to appear on April 3, has been postponed as well.

Stay healthy and safe, and the team at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino will be glad to see everyone once these restrictions have been lifted!

Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.