The
Tohono O'odham Nation is breaking ground this week on a $400 million expansion of its once controversial casino in Arizona.
The
Desert Diamond West Valley Casino and Resort debuted in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix, almost two years ago. But the facility was lacking in some key features amid opposition from the state and rival tribes.
The tribe has since
settled a long-running and costly lawsuit
that paved the way for the installation of slot machines, table games and other Class III offerings at the casino. And the tribe is now able to
sell liquor there after the state relented.
The revenue-generating changes are also paving the way for the upcoming expansion. Plans call for a one-million square-foot facility with a larger gaming floor, five restaurants, bars and other amenities.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the project takes place on Friday morning. Construction is expected to take about 20 months so the expansion should be complete by early 2019.
Federal Register Notice:
Indian
Gaming; Approval of an Amendment to a Tribal-State Class III Gaming Compact in
the State of Arizona (July 17, 2017)
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