Last week the Tohono O’odham Nation of Arizona broke ground on the $400 million expansion of the Desert Diamond West Valley Casino and Resort, a resort that the state government fought tooth and nail—until it didn’t.
The 20-month building schedule is aimed at a completion by just after New Year’s in 2019.
The casino opened two years ago in Glendale, in the Phoenix valley, nearly two years ago. Even though it was a reality, the state and rival gaming tribes continued to fight it, including such issues as a permit to sell liquor.
Until earlier this year when Governor Doug Ducey struck a deal with the tribe for a new compact. That deal opened the gate for the expansion that began last week. The new facility will be one million square feet, with a larger gaming floor, five eateries and a bar.
Edward Manuel, Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation said, “This facility will provide jobs and economic opportunity for members of the Tohono O’odham Nation, the West Valley, and Arizona. The Nation is proud of the partnerships we have forged in the region, which will only strengthen and grow as we move forward.”
Andy Asselin, CEO of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise said, “This is a day our guests and employees have been looking forward to for a long time. We’ve put together a terrific construction team that will be developing a unique attraction for the entire West Valley. We’re eager to get started.”
