PHOENIX — Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte, and Vee Quiva casinos are reopening Thursday after a recent coronavirus-related closure.
Gila River Hotels and Casinos shut down the three properties in mid-June after employees expressed concern over health and safety measures. One employee at the Lone Butte location died from coronavirus, according to his family.
During the two-week closure, they reportedly implemented further health and safety protocols. According to the company, those now include:
Slot Tech Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino. Feb 2018 – Present 2 years 6 months. Teamwork to keep machines functioning and guests happy. PBX Operator Maricopa Community Colleges. Following the 8-month of Covid insecurity, I decided to venture out to the casino and since the new freeway is done, decided to do Vee Quiva again. I have to tell you, and I'm 100% already in the progress, that I will be filing for a formal investigation into the payout%, by contacting the Attorney General, and other boards.
- Non-smoking at all properties with designated smoking areas
- Casino will close from 2 a.m. - 10 a.m. daily for deep-cleaning
- Providing paid leave of absence for at-risk team members
- COVID-19 testing for team members every two weeks
- Mandatory temperature checks for team members and guests upon arrival
- Mandatory face coverings/masks for all team members and guests
- Extensive disinfection procedures
- Best available training to protect workers and all visitors
- Guests will be advised to practice physical distancing
- Casino floors and gaming tables have been redesigned to ensure physical distancing and reduced occupancy
- Plexiglass separation enhancements on slot machines
- 100 total Sanitation Stations on gaming floor and back of house with bright green signage
- New 'Cleaning Alert System' on all slots - allows you to alert a cleaning ambassador if you would like your slot machine cleaned
- Increased cleaning ambassador team members
- External cleaning company Landcorp. deep-cleaned all properties including back of house team member areas
- Ongoing training for continuous and rigorous sanitation measures as best practices evolve
Gila River Hotels and Casinos also closed in March, '...to do our part to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19),” Kenneth Manuel, CEO of Gila River Hotels & Casinos, said in a statement at the time. They reopened in mid-May when Governor Doug Ducey's stay-at-home order expired.
Who's feeling lucky?
Whether you enjoy an evening playing the slots, some high-stakes poker, or are just looking for a quick staycation, the Valley's eight casinos may be what you're looking for.
These casinos offer a lot more than just your standard games, too. There are nightly concerts, pools to beat the heat, and high-class restaurants.
Scroll down to check out eight casinos in the Valley and find one closest to you in the map below.
Talking Stick Resort
Talking Stick Resort is an AAA Four-Diamond resort located in Scottsdale. Over 800 slot machines and over 50 table games fill the 240,000-square-foot casino. It is also home to the largest poker room in the state. It features three concert venues, The Salt River Grand Ballroom, The Showroom and the pool. Besides the casino, it's a staycation spot with a spa, golf course, pool, and fine-dining restaurant options. Orange Sky tops the resort and provides 360-degree views of the area.
Talking Stick Resort and Casino
9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale AZ 85256
866-877-9897
www.talkingstickresort.com
Casino Arizona
Vee Quiva Slot Machines Games
Casino Arizona has over 900 slot machines and card tables for you to try your hand with Lady Luck. They have high-limit slots, $5 BlackJack, Keno and late-night bingo. The Eagles Buffet has all-you-can-eat crab legs on certain nights, and Cholla Prime Steakhouse offers fine-dining in a casual environment. They have trivia nights and weekly tribute concerts to bands like Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Bonjovi, and Kiss.
Casino Arizona
524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale AZ 85256
480-850-7777
www.casinoarizona.com
Lone Butte Casino
Lone Butte Casino has over 700 slot machines, 23 table games, a high-limit room, and an 800-seat bingo hall. If you're a night owl, you can also check out BAD Bingo, which boasts a DJ, unlimited soda and $2 beer, and a dance party. If you're in the mood for some entertainment or food, they have that too.
Lone Butte Casino
1077 S. Kyrene Road, Chandler AZ 85226
800-946-4452
www.winggilariver.com
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
Wild Horse Pass is located a short drive south of downtown Phoenix next to the Phoenix Premium Outlets. It's a quiet spot along Interstate 10 that offers scenic views of the Gila River Indian Community. The 100,000-square-foot casino has 950 slot machines and 75 table games. Looking to make a night of it? No problem. The hotel can house you and they have eight places to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler AZ 85226
800-946-4452
www.winggilariver.com
Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino
Vee Quiva Hotel is located west of Phoenix in the Laveen community. It has 950 slot machines, 36 table games, 16 poker tables, and a 550-seat bingo hall. It has six restaurants and four bars, and a 90-room boutique hotel.
Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino
15091 S. Komatke Lane, Laveen AZ 85339
800-946-4452
www.winggilariver.com
Casino Slot Machines For Sale
Fort McDowell Casino
Located northeast of Phoenix near Fountain Hills, sits Fort McDowell Casino. The 150,000-square-foot casino has over 900 slot machines, 55 table and poker games, plus bingo. In June 2018, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation announced it was building a larger casino nearby. The new casino is slated to open in 2020.
Fort McDowell Casino
10424 N. Fort McDowell Road, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
800-THE-FORT
www.fortmcdowellcasino.com
Desert Diamond Casino West Valley
Desert Diamond is the newest casino to the Valley. It officially opened in December 2015. It is located in Glendale and boasts over 1,000 slot machines. If you're hungry, they do have a food court. In May 2018, the casino received its Class III gaming license, which will allow it to have Vegas-style gaming.
Desert Diamond Casino West Valley
9431 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale AZ 85305
623-877-7777
www.ddcaz.com
Is Vee Quiva Casino Open
Harrah's Ak-Chin Hotel & Casino
Vee Quiva Restaurant Inside Casino
Harrah's Ak-Chin is located outside of Phoenix, but not far away. It's located in Maricopa, a 30-minute drive from Phoenix. Try your luck with over 1,000 slot machines, video poker, poker tournaments, and bingo. Looking for some entertainment? Head over to The Lounge. Try out their five restaurants to beat the appetite or when you need a break from the casino floor.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel & Casino
15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa AZ 85139
480-802-5000
https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin