Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks will open in December 2024, marking the Tohono O’odham Nation’s latest expansion into Arizona’s bustling entertainment landscape. Located at 8200 N. Sarival Ave., Waddell, AZ, near Loop 303 and Northern Parkway, this new $450 million development promises to be a cornerstone of leisure and economic growth in the West Valley.

An economic powerhouse in the making:

The unveiling of the Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks is poised to significantly boost the local economy. “Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks is ideally positioned to serve as an economic engine for the fast-growing West Valley,” stated Mike Bean, CEO of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, as reported by ABC15 Arizona. He added: “This is the Nation’s fifth facility, and the iconic Desert Diamond Casino brand is synonymous with unmatched entertainment experience and outstanding guest service. We look forward to creating positive new opportunities for the Tohono O’odham Nation, the West Valley, and Arizona.” The casino is expected to create over 1,000 new jobs, contributing to the economic vitality of the area.

As announced on the casino’s website, it will span 184,000 square feet; the casino’s floor will offer an extensive range of gaming options:

– 900 Class III slot machines

– A dedicated poker room

– An onsite retail sportsbook

– Table games, including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat

The facility will also feature exclusive dining experiences, including a branch of Morton’s The Steakhouse—the only casino in Arizona to offer cuisine from this renowned high-end restaurant. Additional amenities like a Starbucks coffee shop and multiple other dining venues ensure visitors have diverse culinary options to enhance their experience.

The project, which began in April 2023, was overseen by the Hunt/Penta Joint Venture as the general contractor. According to Indian Gaming, JCJ Architecture led the design efforts, creating an ambiance of sophisticated entertainment unmatched in the region. Jacob Moore, Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise Board, emphasized the importance of the project, saying, “Completion of the Nation’s fifth facility has been extraordinarily significant for the Tohono O’odham Nation. It would not have been possible without the leadership of the Tohono O’odham Nation, the support of our amazing team members, and the efforts of the thousands of construction professionals on the project.”

Grand opening celebrations: 

A series of grand opening festivities are scheduled for December 18, 2024, inviting Tohono O’odham Nation citizens, dignitaries, and the general public to participate. The event will showcase the new casino’s facilities and services, providing a glimpse into the future of high-stakes gaming and premier hospitality.

Looking ahead, the Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks is set to expand further, including plans for a hotel, conference center, an outdoor pool, recreational amenities, and an amphitheater with event lawn space. This expansion will enhance the venue’s capacity to host major events and provide additional luxury accommodations.

As the opening date approaches, the excitement builds for what will surely become a landmark destination in Arizona’s entertainment and gaming industry. The community eagerly anticipates the economic opportunities and top-tier entertainment options that Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks will bring to the West Valley.