The anticipated opening of SanTan Mountain Casino, a $150 million Arizona casino, has been rescheduled for late spring or early summer of 2023, indicating a delay from the original plan. The construction process has taken longer than expected since the casino broke ground in October 2021, as reported by the SanTan Sun News.
Daniela Vizcarra, the public relations manager for Gila River Indian Community and Casinos, stated that the overall plans for the San Tan Valley area have remained largely unchanged despite the delay.
Particulars on the new Gila River betting house property
The planned features for the 160-acre SanTan Mountain Casino, located on the southeast corner outside Chandler at Hunt Highway and Gilbert Road, include:
- 850 slot machines and table games
- Mini-baccarat, craps, and roulette
- High-limit games salon
- Dining options
- 6,000 square-foot BetMGM Sportsbook and bar
- Casino center bar
- Entertainment offerings
- 6,000 square feet of versatile space
The retail BetMGM Arizona Sportsbook will provide comfortable seating for guests to watch live games on multiple large-screen TVs, in addition to Arizona betting options.
There are also future plans for a hotel at SanTan Mountain Casino. Improvement of roads and infrastructure in the area is also being considered.
SanTan Mountain Casino’s neighbors in Chandler will be the other two Gila River properties, Wild Horse Pass Casino and Lone Butte Casino. The tribe’s Vee Quiva Casino is located in Laveen, within 25 miles of SanTan. With the addition of SanTan Mountain, Gila River will likely become the leading casino operator in the southern Phoenix area.
The SanTan Sun News has expressed optimism about the significant tourism that SanTan Mountain Casino will bring to the state in the future.
Moreover, the opening of the new casino will generate around 700 new jobs. Gila River Tribe Governor Stephen Roe Lewis expects tribal community members to fill most of the new positions, as mentioned during recruitment last July.
Gila Riv aims to grow to be first-choice State of arizona casino
Gila River is one of the 16 tribes in Arizona that operate gaming establishments in some capacity.
The establishment of SanTan Mountain Casino was made possible through the gaming compact amendments in September 2021, which introduced sports betting. Governor Doug Ducey approved the revisions and in May the SanTan Mountain Casino project received authorization.
The construction of the new SanTan Mountain Casino was undertaken by Steelman Partners, a renowned architectural firm based in Las Vegas known for designing various prestigious resorts.
Governor Lewis has expressed enthusiasm for the addition of the third property and its significance for the tribe. He stated:
“Not only will Santan Mountain bring additional revenue, stability and essential services to the community members, it will enhance our reputation in the gaming and hospitality industry as we continue to build an entertainment dynasty.”
As stated on the Gila River Gaming Enterprises’ website: “Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. will be Arizona’s premier destination for casino entertainment for both work and play.”
More about Gila River internet casinos
Gila River Resorts has added to its entertainment empire by hiring a seasoned executive director of corporate entertainment. Anastasia Palmer Johnson, a booking industry veteran and Tucson native, will be responsible for overseeing entertainment bookings at SanTan Mountain Casino and the other existing properties. While specific plans for SanTan Mountain Casino’s entertainment are still in the early stages, Johnson has already booked numerous notable acts at other Gila properties.
Marian Rosin, a freelance writer with experience in the gambling industry as a senior artist for Isle of Capri casinos. Rosin’s work has been published in Upnest and Psychology Today.
