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
26 Arizona Gaming Guide | January 2022 | azgamingguide.com
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. $
