Preparing for a December 20 opening the 0 million Diamond Desert Casino near Glendale, Arizona accepted its first slot machines.
The Tohono O’odham tribe will operate the casino. According to tribal spokesman Treena Parvello, “We’re really excited. There have been obstacles and challenges. Everyone has worked really hard. Getting these machines here on the floor demonstrates we’re ready and working to meet our target date.”
Glendale city councilman Sam Chavira is anticipating the opening of the first Indian casino in the west side of the Phoenix Valley. He told YourWestValley.com: “This is truly going to be a catalyst for West Valley economic development. That is probably one of the best decisions the city (of Glendale) has made.” The casino will pay the city $1.4 million annually over the next 20 years. The neighboring area includes the University of Phoenix Stadium, the Gila Riva Arena, and Westgate, which has many restaurants and retail shops, hotels and the Tanger Outlets shopping mall.
Plans are to eventually have a resort with 85,000 SF feet of gaming floor, dining, hotel, conference center and spa, with a total footprint of 130,000 SF. However the first phase will open with 40,000 SF and 1,089 slots.
The casino still might not happen. There is an effort in Congress to pass a bill that would ban the casino from opening for the next dozen years.
The state’s Department of Gaming Enforcement has refused to issue a license for Class III machines, prompting the tribe to say it will open a Class II operation if it needs to.
