Gila River Resorts & Casinos has unveiled a brand-new bingo venue at its Santan Mountain location in Chandler, Arizona, adding an exciting new layer to its entertainment offerings. The launch marks a significant expansion of Gila River’s gaming portfolio, coinciding with a special grand opening celebration slated for August 29 through September 1.
Located at 7101 Gilbert Road, the Santan Mountain property is set to host a four-day public celebration featuring lively festivities, exclusive giveaways, and the introduction of its inaugural bingo games. Guests can join the celebration during two daily time slots, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Among the weekend’s highlights is the showcase of what organizers are calling the world’s largest bingo drum, appearances by a celebrity guest host, and musical entertainment courtesy of a live DJ. As part of the festivities, the first 230 attendees at each session will get a chance to spin a prize wheel, with potential winnings ranging from branded apparel and bingo daubers to gift cards and varsity jackets.
In addition to entertainment, the event will feature live bingo sessions each day at 12:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m., providing participants with their first opportunity to play in the new venue. To mark the occasion, the casino is also offering a limited-time “buy one, get one free” promotion on electronic ticket packages throughout the event.
Introducing B.A.D. Bingo and Late-Night Fun
The bingo experience at Santan Mountain isn’t limited to traditional sessions. The new venue is also debuting “Bingo After Dark” — a high-energy Saturday night series launching August 30. Also known as B.A.D. Bingo, these late-night events kick off at 11:30 p.m. and promise an electrifying atmosphere complete with DJs, line dancing, neon accessories like glowsticks, and the chance to win cash prizes. The debut B.A.D. Bingo session will feature surprise guest hosts to help energize the crowd.
“Bingo has consistently been one of the most beloved and high-energy experiences at our Vee Quiva location, drawing loyal guests and new players alike with every session,” said Denise Pfaff, General Manager of Gila River Resorts & Casinos quoted by Indian Gaming. “We knew we had something special, and with the excitement and demand continuing to grow, it only made sense to bring bingo to our newest and most modern property – Santan Mountain. We’re thrilled to introduce a vibrant new way to play and win in a one-of-a-kind setting.”
A Modern Twist on a Classic Game
Spanning 13,000 square feet, the new bingo hall offers a contemporary and inviting setting that blends indoor and outdoor elements. With floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase panoramic views of the Santan Mountains, the hall was designed to create an immersive and dynamic environment for players. Advanced digital bingo systems, a high-end sound and lighting rig, and massive 98-inch HDTVs enhance the overall gaming experience.
The layout includes a flexible indoor-outdoor design and a dance floor, offering space not just for games but for vibrant social interaction and special events. Sessions will run daily, with ticket packages available from $30 to $225, ensuring options for casual players and devoted bingo enthusiasts alike.
Santan Mountain is the latest addition to Gila River’s collection of gaming venues, which also includes properties like Vee Quiva. Gila River Resorts & Casinos has been operating in four different venues in Arizona for over 30 years, all owned by the Gila River Indian Community.
Since opening in 2023, Santan Mountain has become the fourth and most recent casino in the Gila River Resorts & Casinos family. Alongside its new bingo club, the property also features over 900 slot machines and table games, broadening its appeal to a diverse gaming audience. Earlier this year, Gila River Resorts entered a strategic alliance with Peak Strategic Partnerships, aiming to broaden its sponsorship opportunities across the tribal gaming and entertainment industries.