Desert Diamond Casino Opens in Glendale

By Jane Shaw Senior Editor Updated: 10/14/2023

Jane Shaw Senior Editor See Full Bio

We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

Desert Diamond Casino Opens

Arizona’s Tohono O’odham Nation recently celebrated the grand opening of their $400 million Desert Diamond Casino West Valley near Glendale’s prominent Westgate Entertainment District. Within hours of its debut, the massive facility was filled with excited patrons.

Replacing the temporary venue which had been a gaming hotspot since December 2015, the new 1.2 million square foot casino stands right next to its predecessor, which had its final curtain call at 8 pm on Tuesday, February 18. Though popular, the older venue had operated with limitations in place, offering only slot machines and lacking the table games many gamblers prefer.

What the New Desert Diamond Casino Offers

The swanky new establishment is not only spacious but boasts a capacity of approximately 10,000 people, doubling the capacity of the former casino. Gamers can now enjoy 1,100 slot machines, 48 table games ranging from blackjack to Ultimate Texas Hold’em, 380 bingo slots, both traditional and electronic, and a luxurious 36-table poker room.

For those seeking more than just a gaming experience, the casino also offers:

Rock Bar: An expansive two-tiered bar offering a bird’s eye view of the casino floor
Edge Bar: A relaxed bar ambience, located adjacent to the Nuovo Giorno Italian Bistro
Food court: A diverse space with Asian, Mexican, and American delicacies
Nineteen 86 Steakhouse: A lavish dining experience with the choicest steaks and seafood
Nuovo Giorno Italian Bistro: Authentic Italian flavors for the discerning palate
Fortune Café: Comfort food served round the clock
Winners Sports Bar: A haven for sports lovers with wall-to-wall screens and extensive menu options

In a recent report by The Glendale Star, Treena Parvello, spokesperson for the Tohono O’odham Nation, expressed the tribe’s enthusiasm. She said:

This phase is a milestone, signaling growth and prosperity in the West Valley, brought about by the Tohono O’odham Nation’s unwavering commitment and the Enterprise Management Board’s vision.

The road to this milestone wasn’t without its hurdles. The project, initially announced in 2009, had to go through years of legal battles and regulatory challenges. Speaking about the journey, Parvello praised the team’s dedication.

The casino also achieved a significant victory in July 2017 when the U.S. Department of Interior greenlit Class III or Las Vegas-style gambling. This was quickly followed by the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control approving its liquor license.

Nation Envisions Full-Service Resort

While the Nation envisions a full-service resort featuring amenities like a hotel, spa, and event spaces, the timeline for these additions remains undetermined. Once completed, the property will sprawl across 2.3 million square feet. As for the future of the previous casino, its fate is uncertain at present. Initial plans hinted at a warehouse, but current speculations lean towards an event center.

With the opening of Desert Diamond Casino, local residents now have a closer alternative for table games. The nearest competitor, Vee Quiva on the Gila River Indian Reservation, is 24 miles away. The Gila River Indian Community-owned facility boasts 24 table games, 16 poker tables, and over 900 slot machines.