A new casino in Phoenix could open doors in the next two years as the industry continues to expand rapidly in Arizona.
Gila River’s Fourth Casino May Open Doors in Two Years
In the next two years, another casino will open its doors in Arizona, the state with one of the largest gaming industries in the US. Gambling in Arizona continues to expand rapidly. Arizona’s lawmakers recently approved new measures, allowing even more gaming options. In April, Governor Doug Ducey approved a new compact, allowing sports betting and more casinos. The new compact would allow the tribal group to operate more casinos including in the Phoenix area.
The Gila River tribe is preparing to build its fourth casino in the area. According to news reports, the new casino in Phoenix, AZ, will open sometime in the next two years. It will be located south of Chandler, on community trust land near the Gilbert Road and Hunt Highwayand intersection.
More Than 1,000 Jobs for Community Members
On June 18, the Community Council approved the budget for the design and construction of the casino. It could take up to 18 to 24 months before the new casino opens its doors. It will provide jobs for more than 1,000 people. The new casino could be beneficial for tourism in the Phoenix area.
Gila River Indian Community runs the Gila River Casinos enterprise, consisting of three casinos – Wild Horse Pass, Vee Quiva, and Lone Butte. The tribal community wanted to build a fourth casino for decades but agreed with the state not to do it until the early 2000s.In a statement to the media, Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis said, “Adding the 4th casino will bring additional revenue, security, and critical services to Community members.”
He also said that the community anticipates a significant number of new jobs, and he expects many of them to be filled by community members.
Arizona’s Sports Betting Industry Could Go Live This Year
After successful negotiations with tribal operators, Arizona’s sports gambling industry is almost ready to launch. Lawmakers have been working around the clock to make sports betting legal in the state. After their agreement with the tribes, Gov. Ducey agreed to the new gaming compact and formally approved sports wagering this year. However, to get it operational, legislators have to make specific agreements with the tribes.
According to the media, sports betting should be available in Arizona in the upcoming months. Now, the state anticipates the first sportsbook launch, expected on September 9, 2021.