GAMING NEWS

“Santan Mountain” Fourth Gila River Hotels & Casinos Property To Open In 2023 160 Acres, $150+ Mil., 850 Slots, Table Games, BetMGM Sportsbook & More

Gila River Hotels & Casinos officially announced its newest project, Santan Mountain, at a groundbreaking ceremony recently on Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) land south of Chandler. During the momentous ceremony, GRIC, Gila River Hotels & Casinos and project leadership invited partners and state officials to celebrate the historic addition of Gila River’s fourth casino, which was approved by the State’s reinstated and amended gaming compact last May.

Described as a “modern, inviting desert oasis,” the dynamic entertainment and gaming venue on the southeast corner of Gilbert Road and Hunt Highway will continue growing the legacy of Gila River Hotels & Casinos in Arizona. With over 27 years of exceptional gaming experience, this new venue was cultivated to bring a desired entertainment destination and convenient location to the growing Southeast Valley. The development will boast lush décor, breathtaking mountain views and state-of-the-art amenities set against the backdrop of the pristine, picturesque desert.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis and Gila River Hotels & Casinos CEO Kenneth Manuel simultaneously unearthed fresh dirt with the project team which includes Steelman Partners, The PENTA Building Group, Tynan Group and the Casino Expansion Owners Team. Governor Lewis shared his deep appreciation for Community members and his excitement for the future.

“Not only will Santan Mountain bring additional revenue, sustainability and critical services to our Community members, it will elevate our prestige in the gaming and hospitality industry as we continue to craft an entertainment dynasty,” he said, adding that the project is estimated to create 650 new jobs.

When complete, Santan Mountain will include more than 850 slots and table games including mini baccarat, craps and roulette as well as an exclusive High Limit Gaming Salon. The BetMGM sportsbook will extend the casino floor and offer plush seating, multiple large-screen TVs for viewing live games and convenient sports betting. The new property will also provide multiple dining options and a lively bar in the center of the casino floor featuring entertainment. A hotel may be added in the future. The project also calls for road and other infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area.

Gila River’s Casino Expansion Owner’s Team (CEOT) Chairman and Councilman Anthony Villareal, Sr. expressed his appreciation for the many people who came together to bring the project to fruition. “I’m so proud to witness this historic moment, which really is a testament to the hard work of our board and the collaboration of our partners and team members,” Villareal said. “We will have many exciting milestones ahead with Santan Mountain, and all of them will be beneficial to our Community.”

The gaming enterprise is also slated to open a $143 million expansion project at Wild Horse Pass later this year —bringing 205 additional guest rooms, new meeting space, two pools and a rooftop restaurant and lounge to the Chandler property. The project marks the first expansion since Wild Horse Pass opened in 2009. GRIC operates Gila River Hotels & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass and Lone Butte, both in Chandler, and Vee Quiva in the West Valley. For details, visit PlayAtGila.com. $

Desert Diamond Casinos Launches First Phase of New Sportsbook

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment is proud to announce the launch of its Desert Diamond Sportsbook capabilities at its Sahuarita and West Valley locations. The first phase of operations, which will include betting kiosks, went live after a ribbon cutting ceremony with leaders from the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise.

Through a partnership with Kambi, Desert Diamond Sportsbook will be one of Arizona’s only locally owned operations, unlike most Arizona Sportsbooks which are run by out-of-state corporate entities. Local ownership allows for personalized service, and profits from the operation are reinvested here in Arizona.

The first phase includes six betting kiosks at the Sahuarita location and eight at the West Valley sportsbook. Located adjacent to the two properties’ sports bars, sportsbook patrons can enjoy great food, drinks, and wall-to-wall TV screens while betting on their favorite teams. Sports wagering operations will continue to grow at the Tucson, Sahuarita, and West Valley locations as more kiosks and live over-the-counter services are added. An online sportsbook under the newly created Desert Diamond Mobile LLC will also open in the near future.

“We are thrilled to offer a whole new level of gaming entertainment to our guests,” said Mike Bean, CEO of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise. “The new Desert Diamond Sportsbook will also add more excitement to our gaming floors, where there is something for everyone to enjoy.” Bean went on to say, “Hosting our own Sportsbook using the Kambi platform is unique in Arizona and ensures the more personalized service that is the hallmark of Desert Diamond Casinos.”

The launch of the new sportsbooks is the latest in a series of major changes for Desert Diamond Casinos, including:

• Launch of live craps, roulette, and mini baccarat at the West Valley, Sahuarita and Tucson properties

• Expanded gaming areas at the Tucson location’s Monsoon Room and at West Valley

• Re-opening the Bingo Room at the Tucson location for first time since the start of the pandemic

• Resumption of 24/7 operations at Tucson and Sahuarita properties

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment, with three locations in Southern Arizona (Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why) and one in the West Valley, is owned and operated by the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, an enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation. More information can be found at DDCAZ.com or by calling 1.866.DDC.WINS. Follow Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment on Twitter (@DiamondCasinos), Facebook (@DDCAZ), and Instagram (@DiamondCasinos). $

Casino Del Sol In Tucson January Promotions & News

Match 6 Numbers, Win $40,000 Cash!

Club Sol Members can participate through January 22 for a chance to win $40,000 cash! Get one free ticket every Tuesday. Select 6 lucky numbers or use the quick pick option. Also, earn up to 5 additional tickets Wednesday through Friday for every 100 points earned. The Live Ball draws are every Saturday at 12pm, 3pm, and 6pm to determine the 6 lucky numbers. If a lucky player has matched all 6, they will score the grand prize up to $40,000 cash.

Come try Roulette, Craps and Baccarat!

Casino Del Sol has the very best to offer in live casino gaming! Try your luck "rolling them bones" on their Craps table or bet your favorite number on Roulette. Enjoy their wide variety of card games including Blackjack, Pai Gow, Baccarat, Ultimate Texas Hold Em, Three Card Poker as well as Blackjack side bets and variations such as Spanish21 and Free Bet. They have something for everyone who loves table games!

Craps

For fun and excitement on the casino floor, the game of craps stands head and shoulders above all other table games. Fastpaced and entertaining, the game of craps isn’t as difficult as you might think. The main objective is actually quite straightforward. You are simply betting on the outcome of the roll of two dice. There are numerous ways to wager, but you don’t need to learn them all to play. Just try your luck at predicting how the dice will land and you are on your way. Friendly dealers are always on hand to assist, so don’t be shy!

Roulette

Feeling lucky? Roulette might be one of the easiest games in the casino to understand. Place a bet on your favorite number or a combination of your favorite or lucky numbers. Watch the dealer spin the ball around the edge of the wheel and feel the excitement build as you wait for the ball to drop!

EZ Baccarat

Baccarat is one of the oldest and most elegant casino games. Originating in mid-19th century France, you might recognize it from several movies featuring the greatest British Secret Service agent of all time! Each outcome is decided by a predetermined set of rules. The objective of the game is to bet on the hand you think will be as close to or equal to 9 as possible without going over. Face cards count as zero, Aces count as one and all other cards are counted at face value. No commission turns Baccarat into EZ Baccarat and allows you to try your luck with the Fortune 7 or Panda 8 bonus wager to boost wins!

Blackjack Side Wagers ($1-$100) Match the Dealer is a side bet that if one or both of your original two cards exactly match the dealer’s up card in rank, you win. Push Your Luck is a side bet that if you and the dealer push (tie) you win 10 to 1. Kings Bounty is a side bet that if your first 2 cards total 20 you win.

Free Bet Blackjack

Double down and split...for free! If you choose the free bet options, the dealer will place a special lamer next to your original wager. If you win the hand, you get paid as if you had made a traditional split or double, even though you didn’t bet any extra money. Push 22 and Kings Bounty are the side bets.

Three Card Poker

This exciting derivative of real poker is an enjoyable and easyto-learn game offering four ways to bet and four ways to win. The game allows you to bet against the dealer, to bet only on the value of your own hand, or both. You may also place optional 6 Card Bonus or $1 Progressive side bets.

Have fun during your next visit to Casino Del Sol in Tucson! Verify all game rules and promotions with Casino Del Sol upon arrival. For more information visit CasinoDelSol.com. $