If you like the thrill and excitement of slot machines, card tables and the chance to win big money make sure to check out Arizona's casinos

Casinos around Phoenix

Casinos throughout the Arizona

Casinos around Phoenix

Arizona’s largest city, Phoenix, is located in Maricopa, one of the fifteen counties in the state. Maricopa county is in the south-central portion of the state and is home to five Native tribes: the Ak Chin, Salt River Pima, Gila River, Fort McDowell Yavapai-Apache, and the Tohono O’odham Nation. The history and culture of these five tribes play a large part in what makes Phoenix a truly unique western city.

The Yavapai and Tonto Apache tribes blended to form the Fort McDowell Yavapai-Apache Nation during the historic “Trail of Tears” in 1875 and subsequent designation of the Fort McDowell reservation by the US government in 1903. The ancestral territory of the Yavapai tribes actually extended far beyond the current reservation borders as far north as the Mogollon Rim. The Fort McDowell Yavapai-Apache Nation reservation formally lies 80 miles east of Phoenix proper. Unlike the other four tribes, the Yavapai people traditionally hunted wildlife and gathered native plants to maintain their existence. The Fort McDowell Yavapai-Apache Community’s current economy is linked with the neighboring communities of Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and Rio Verde through big business, agriculture, and gaming. The reservation’s main attraction is its landscape. The lush Verde River and surrounding cottonwood trees run the length of the reservation and offer a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, tubing, hiking, and picnicking. Additionally the Fort McDowell Indian Community tempts visitors with the Fort McDowell Casino which offers hundreds of slot machines, Kino, bingo, and poker tables for those guests looking for a chance to win big.

Like the Fort McDowell Yavapai-Apache Community, the Salt River Pima Maricopa Community consists of two tribes, the Pima and the Maricopa tribes. Both tribes were traditionally farming communities who lived by farming the fertile soils of the Salt River Valley (Pima) and the lower Gila and Colorado Rivers (Maricopa). The Salt River Pima Maricopa reservation can be found just 15 miles northeast of Phoenix bordering the communities of Fountain Hills, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tempe. The Salt River Pima Maricopa Community reserves 19,000 acres of the reservation as natural preserve. The remainder is used both for agriculture and some commercial leasing. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s Hoo-Hoogam Ki Museum offers visitors a walk back through time with its displays of traditional pottery, baskets and artifacts. Casino Arizona, owned and operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, has two locations which border the city of Scottsdale. Casino Arizona offers all the traditional thrills like slot machines, bingo, Kino, and poker tables, but also boasts high-stakes poker, off-track betting, as well as fine dining and a variety of entertainment.

The Gila River Indian Community, located south of Phoenix, Tempe, and Chandler, is also comprised of both Pima and Maricopa tribes. These tribes descend from the prehistoric Hohokam Indians who existed by farming along the Gila River Basin. The Gila River reservation, established in 1939, utilizes its lands for agricultural, industrial, retail, and recreational purposes. It is in this diverse economic base that the Gila River Community has seen positive economic growth. Guests of the Gila River Indian Community have the opportunity to win big at the Wild Horse Pass and Vee Quiva casinos. Future plans for these facilities include 2 world-class golf courses and a full service resort. Visitors can also experience some native traditions by visiting the Gila River Arts and Crafts Center which offers a museum of fine art and artifacts as well as retail opportunities for those wishing to purchase some of the finest Southwest Indian arts and crafts.

About 58 miles south of Phoenix, tucked into Santa Cruz Valley is the Ak Chin Indian Community. Dedicated in 1912 by President Taft, the reservation scenery is quite different than many of the other reservations, in that it boasts no dramatic mountain ranges or flowing rivers. Rather it is Sonoran Desert terrain marked only by two washes running north to south over the land. This arid land, although less dramatic, is perfect for supporting the agricultural undertakings of the Ak Chin Community. In this dry climate water is life, and currently the Ak Chin utilize 75,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water for irrigation. Some of the reservation lands are also used for rangeland and residential development. Visitors to the Ak Chin Indian Community Can step into the Him-Dak Museum to see displays of tribal arts, crafts, as well as some ancient photographs of the Ak Chin People. One exceptional landmark is the Casa Grande Ruins Monument. The four-storied architectural monument, built by the Hohokam Indians in the early 13th century, is unique to Arizona in its form and design, and definitely worth a visit. In 1994 the Ak Chin Community opened Harrah’s Phoenix Ak Chin Casino complete with slot machines, poker tables, bingo, buffet restaurant and gift shop.

The Tohono O’odham Nation extends from the southern border of Maricopa County, near Tucson, and all the way to the Mexico border. The Tohono O’odham Nation consists of the Tohono O'odham (formerly Papago) and Pima peoples. The Tohono O’odham reservation is found within the Sonoran Desert making much of the land arid and dry while also offering some amazing views of high desert mountains reaching almost 8,000 feet. Most of the Tohono O’odham economy hinges on its industrial parks and ties to large corporations for land usage. Out of the dusty desert floor and surrounding green sage bush rises the San Xavier Mission Del Bac, the White Doves of the Desert. This Spanish mission was built between 1783 - 1797 by the Franciscan Fathers, Juan Bautista Velderrain and Juan Bautista Llorenz. This historic and beautiful structure is a sight to behold for all visitors. There are nearby Indian arts and crafts markets available for visitors to browse through. In 1993 the Tohono O’odham Nation opened the Desert Diamond Casino and in 1999 the smaller but equally hospitable Golden Hasan Casino opened its doors. The Desert Diamond offers slot machines, bingo, and live card dealers.

Phoenix owes much of its rich history to the customs and culture of the Native Peoples of Maricopa County. Whether you’re seeking stunning vistas, a glimpse of Old West Native American history, or an opportunity to indulge in casino entertainment and temptations, the five tribes of Maricopa astound their guests with all they have to offer.

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