The Tohono O’odham Nation broke ground in April this year on a new casino, and states it will be ready for first-phase, late-2024 opening near Glendale, Arizona. The venue is slated to cost $450m and will be the Tribe’s fifth casino.
The casino will feature 900 slot machines, a poker room, table games (baccarat, blackjack, craps and roulette), a retail sportsbook and various dining options. The next phase will look to add a hotel and conference center, as well as pool, amphitheater and event lawn.
According to local reports, Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise (TOGE) CEO Mike Bean is optimistic that the new facility will create around 1,000 permanent jobs. In April, 5,000 construction workers were employed.
The Tohono O’odham Nation held a “topping off” ceremony in which the last beam of the casino was placed, and Tribal officials had the chance to reflect on their hopes for the project. Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman, Verlon Jose said that the revenue from the Tribe’s gaming entities “builds communities.”
He added, “It’s bringing resources to communities that no one ever imagined were out there. And the beauty is it is not our own people being taxed. The revenue comes from everyone who walks into and enjoys our facility.”
Casino revenue goes toward local programs and infrastructure on the Tribe’s reservation including: medical care, first responders, social services and caring for both children and elders of the Tribe. Jose also hopes gaming revenue can help repair many local roads.
Once announced as Desert Diamond Casino, the new project does not have an official name.
