Gila River Hotels & Casinos broke ground on its newest project—Santan Mountain—Monday, Oct. 18, on Gila River Indian Community land just south of Chandler on Gilbert Road and Hunt Highway.This marks the gaming company's fourth casino and was approved by the state's reinstated and amended gaming compact in May.The entertainment and gaming venue on the southeast corner of Gilbert Road and Hunt Highway will offer mountain views and state-of-the-art amenities, according to a news release from Gila River Hotels & Casinos.During the Oct. 18 event, 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, according to the release.“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,” Lewis said, adding that the project is estimated to create 650 new jobs, according to the release.The construction of the casino is expected to take between 18 and 24 months, according to the release.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, according to the release. The BetMGM sportsbook will extend the casino floor and offer seating, multiple large-screen TVs for viewing live games and convenient sports betting, according to the release.The new property will also provide multiple dining options and a bar in the center of the casino floor featuring entertainment, according to the release. A hotel may be added in the future, according to the release.
The project also calls for road and other infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area, according to the release.
