Gila River Hotels & Casinos Begins Construction on Its Fourth Casino in Arizona
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Gila River Hotels & Casinos officials put the first shovels in the ground last week for a 160-acre, $150+ million project south of Chandler, Ariz. Santan Mountain, approved by the state’s reinstated and amended gaming compact in May, will be the Native American community's fourth casino, and will feature more than 850 slots and table games as well as a BetMGM Sportsbook.
The entertainment and gaming venue will be a sibling to the Wild Horse Pass and Lone Butte casino resorts, both in Chandler, and Vee Quiva in the West Valley on the other side of Phoenix.
“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,” said Gila River Hotels & Casinos CEO Kenneth Manuel, who added that the project will create an estimated 650 jobs.
International architectural and interior design firm Steelman Partners and the Penta Building Group will design and construct the casino, which is expected to take 18 to 24 months.
A key focus of the design is to bring inside the texture, light and elements of the outdoors, according to Steelman. The main casino will feature blooming saguaro carpeting, natural light from circular skylights, custom bubble glass and colors inspired by the rising and setting sun.
Santan Mountain's casino will include mini baccarat, craps and roulette, as well as a high-limit gaming salon. The BetMGM sportsbook will extend the casino floor with plush seating and multiple large-screen TVs.
Visitors will have multiple dining options to choose from and a lively bar in the center of the casino floor. A hotel might be added to the property in the future.
