The Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise has broken ground on a fresh Desert Diamond Casino construction that is expected to cost in the region of $450m, and is expected to last approximately 19 months.
A first phase of the new facility will feature a 184,000 square-foot casino floor, which will feature 900 class III slot machines, poker room, retail sportsbook, and table games including blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat, as well as dining and other amenities. Further stages will include a hotel, conference centre, outdoor pool, amphitheatre and other recreational amenities.
The project is expected to create 5,500 jobs during construction, with the casino and resort to employ 1,300 individuals upon completion.
Ned Norris Jr, Chair of the Tohono O’odham Nation, said: “This is a special day for all Tohono O’odham. We are making good on our promise to provide for future generations of our tribal citizens. This groundbreaking serves as an important milestone to celebrate our progress as a Nation.”
The property for the new facility is located on 80 acres of reservation land, which has already been taken into trust by the federal government as required by law.
Mike Bean, CEO of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, added: “With this latest major investment in the West Valley, our new Desert Diamond Casino will bring more jobs, economic opportunity, and entertainment options to this vibrant region.
“We’re excited to continue the local partnerships we’ve developed over the past 10 years and build new relationships to benefit the West Valley community.”
Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment, with three locations in the southern Arizona of Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why, as well as an additional venue near Glendale, is owned and operated by the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, an enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation. venue that will deliver further depth for the group in the Arizona gaming market.
