Gila River Hotels & Casinos break ground on new casino near Chandler

CHANDLER, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- Arizona's casino numbers are on the rise, and another casino will be coming to the Chandler area within the next two years. Gila River Hotels & Casinos broke ground on Monday on the brand new "Santan Mountain" casino, which will be located near Gilbert Road and Hunt Highway.

The 160-acre, $150 million project will feature more than 850 slots and table games, a BetMGM Sportsbook and multiple dining options for guests. Some new games will include mini baccarat, craps, roulette and a High Limit Gaming Salon. The sportsbook will feature multiple TVs so guests can sit down, have a drink and bet on live sports. Officials say in the future, a hotel may be added as well.

This will be Gila River's fourth casino in Arizona, joining Wild Horse Pass and Lone Butte, also located in near Chandler, and Vee Quiva in the West Valley. The new casino is projected to create an additional 650 new jobs and construction for the casino is expected to take 18 to 24 months.

“The comfort of Gila River’s guests is a top priority. Whether a guest is playing the slots during the day or playing at a high-energy, live table at night, Santan Mountain design elements will provide a striking, serene backdrop for memorable entertainment,” said Steelman Partners officials, the architectural and interior design company for the casino.