Desert Diamond Casinos, the gaming arm of the Tohono O’odham Nation, has begun construction on its fifth casino on 110 acres of reservation land in Maricopa County, Arizona, near Glendale.

Phase 1 of the $450 million resort will feature a 184,000-square-foot casino with 900 Class III slot machines; 30 table games including blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat; a 12-table poker room; a sportsbook; a fine dining restaurant and a casual restaurant; and a four-venue food hall.

At build-out, the property will include a hotel, a conference center, a pool and recreational amenities, an amphitheater and an event lawn space. The completed resort will employ approximately 1,300 people.

Ned Norris Jr., chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation, said, “We are making good on our promise to provide for future generations of our tribal citizens. This groundbreaking serves as an important milestone to celebrate our progress as a nation.”

Nation CEO Mike Bean noted, “With this latest major investment in the West Valley, our new Desert Diamond Casino will bring more jobs, economic opportunity and entertainment options to this vibrant region.”

The property is expected to open in 2024.

OWNER: Tohono O’odham Nation Gaming Enterprise

ARCHITECT: JCJ Architecture