GLENDALE, AZ – The Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise (TOGE) has opened its new Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks at San Lucy to the public. A private ribbon-cutting ceremony for tribal members and dignitaries was held prior to the public opening. The state-of-the-art casino features 900 slot machines, a poker room, a sportsbook, and table games including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. It has created over 1,000 permanent jobs.
Located at 8200 N. Sarival Avenue, near Loop 303 and Northern Parkway, the area is one of the fastest growing parts of the Valley. In addition to a world-class gaming experience, the property also features multiple restaurant options, including the high-energy Pub Stop, Chuck’s Burgers and a Starbucks coffee shop. Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks will also be the only casino in Arizona to offer the famed high-end restaurant Morton’s The Steakhouse. The iconic Lightning Lounge center bar pays homage to nearby Luke Air Force Base.
“Our philosophy in designing this property was to ensure that there was something for everyone to enjoy, from gaming to dining to nightlife,” said Mike Bean, CEO of the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise. “We are well positioned to grow with the West Valley community and be an economic driver for years to come.”
Construction of the $450 million project began in April 2023 and created over 5,500 construction jobs. The Hunt/Penta Joint Venture served as the general contractor, while JCJ Architecture led the design of the new facility. In future phases, Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks at San Lucy will eventually expand to include a hotel, conference center, an outdoor pool, and other amenities.
“This new facility is a testament to the resilience of the O’odham and was made possible through the efforts of many Nation leaders across generations,” said Verlon Jose, Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation. “The White Tanks casino will generate major economic opportunity for our Nation, for the West Valley and all of Arizona.”
Desert Diamond Casino & Entertainment, with three locations in Southern Arizona (Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why) and two in the West Valley, is owned and operated by the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, an enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation.