Most Arizona tribal casinos all closed last week in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise has temporarily closed all operations, including Twin Arrows Casino Resort in Flagstaff. They are scheduled to reopen April 6, said Quincy Natay, chairman of the Navajo Gaming Board of Directors.
He issued this statement: “This public health crisis requires all of us to stand together to protect those most vulnerable in our communities, including our respected elders. We will continue to support our valued team members, guests and communities in every way we can during this evolving time.”
Gila River Hotels & Casinos, which operates Wild Horse Pass and Lone Butte, and Vee Quiva, also announced a two week closure beginning March 18. No coronavirus had been identified when the properties closed, however CEO Kenneth Manuel said, “this was an ethical decision to protect our team members and our guests.”
Before the closure the Gila River properties had added sanitation stations and increased disinfectant cleanings. It had also postponed concerts and conventions.
Desert Diamond West Valley Casino, operated by the Tohono O’odham Nation, tried to remain open, although crowds are a far cry from when it opened a few weeks ago. The casino has instituted enhanced sanitation measures and extra sanitizer dispensers. But it was all for naught.
“In this unprecedented time, it is our duty to protect the community and collective action is needed to slow this virus. We are all in this together and I am proud to be a part of the vital Arizona tribal gaming community, which employs thousands of workers,” Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris Jr. said in a release. “I commend the other tribal casinos who are also making tough decisions for their own communities as well. It is in moments like these that our communities must rise to the challenge by relying on the shared values of compassion, collaboration, and generosity that have inspired us for generations.”
“This action is being taken to protect the safety of our team members, guests and the community. We will do everything we can to support our team members, including ensuring that they continue to be compensated during the planned closure,” Gaming Enterprise CEO Rudy Prieto said in the release. “It is important that we all do our part in this uncertain time and we want to thank our guests and Desert Diamond family for their patience and understanding.”
Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale also announced they will remain open. Spokesman Ramon Martinez stated, “Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort care deeply about the health and safety of our guests and employees and are closely monitoring recommendations from state and local public health officials. We have postponed all concerts through March that would have gatherings larger than 50 people.”
Two days later, they joined the list of closures.
The Ak-Chin Indian Community, which owns Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino, has cancelled all shows through the end of March and closed its spa. The closure is part of all closures of Caesars Entertainment’s 55 worldwide properties.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has not yet ordered closures in the state but has limited gatherings to no more than 50 people and canceled events.
