Gila River Hotels & Casinos has three locations in Arizona with a fourth on the way in 2023. Plans to build the Santan Mountain Casino were announced after Arizona's gaming compact with Arizona’s Native American tribes was reinstated and amended in 2021.
Expected to open in 2023, the Gila River Indian Community broke ground in October 2021. The construction of the 160-acre, $150m property is taking place south of Chandler, Arizona.
It's anticipated that the remaining construction will take another nine to15 months to complete. Once finished, the location will boast more than 850 slots and table games, including mini-baccarat, craps and roulette. The casino will also have an exclusive High Limit Gaming Salon.
A 7,000-square-foot BetMGM Sportsbook and bar are also in place to be unveiled when the casino opens. Dining options and a bar in the center of the casino floor are a few of the amenities that will be offered by the Santan Mountain Casino.
Tribe Governor Stephen Roe Lewis said: "Not only will Santan Mountain bring additional revenue, sustainability and critical services to our community members, it will elevate our prestige in the gaming and hospitality industry as we continue to craft an entertainment dynasty."
In July, casino officials will begin recruiting a total of 700 staff members from the local community to fill positions at the casino.
In other Arizona news, the Caesars Sportsbook at the Arizona Diamondbacks Chase Field has opened. The launch coincides with the opening of Guy Fieri’s DTPHX Kitchen + Bar at the same location.
The 22,300 square-foot facility is the largest freestanding sportsbook in Arizona and the largest retail sportsbook to open in partnership with a major sports stadium across the nation.
