In the western American state of Arizona and the federally-recognized Gila River Indian Community reportedly held a special ceremony yesterday in order to break ground on a coming $150 million tribal casino.
According to a Monday report from The Arizona Republic newspaper, the tribe’s Gila River Hotels and Casinos enterprise is already responsible for the gambling-friendly Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte and Vee Quiva facilities but now intends to have opened its envisioned Santan Mountain venue by the end of 2023. The source detailed that this Paul Steelman-designed property will sit on 160 acres of land in the southern Phoenix suburb of Chandler offering in excess of 850 slots as well as gaming tables with baccarat, roulette and craps.
Sportsbetting selection:
The Gila River Indian Community reportedly first unveiled plans to bring a fourth gambling-friendly development to ‘The Grand Canyon State’ in June and is now hoping that the finished project will help it to bring in much-needed revenue and create as many as 650 full-time jobs. The tribe purportedly disclosed that its new Santan Mountain enterprise is also due to feature a sportsbook in addition to a central high-limit gaming salon moreover encompassing an entertainments space and dining options.
Gubernatorial grant:
The newspaper reported that the move from the Gila River Indian Community follows its inking of a new gaming compact with the administration of Arizona Governor Doug Ducey in April. This historic agreement purportedly represented the most comprehensive update to the state’s gambling landscape in decades and could eventually lead to the construction of at least four new tribal casinos statewide including a pair for the area around Phoenix.
Further finance:
The Gila River Indian Community is responsible for a reservation covering nearly 600 square miles of Pinal County and Maricopa County land and reportedly divulged that it furthermore soon intends to invest $143 million so as to add a 205-room hotel to its Wild Horse Pass facility. The tribe reportedly explained that this redevelopment could additionally see the venue feature a rooftop restaurant with views out over the Sonoran Desert alongside a pair of pools and improved meeting spaces.
Regional rehabilitation:
Stephen Roe Lewis serves as the Governor for the Gila River Indian Community and he reportedly told The Arizona Republic that the coming Santan Mountain property is to incorporate saguaro-themed carpeting and make customers feel welcome by means of circular skylights featuring bubble glass projecting colors inspired by the area’s sunrises and sunsets.
Lewis reportedly declared…
“I know the pandemic has been hard on all of us and it’s been hard on the community. It’s been hard on our surrounding communities as well; in cities and municipalities in the state. That’s why I think we’re so proud to be able to be part of the rebuilding, of the recovery efforts.”