There are plenty of places to get your game on in the Valley, but which casinos offer the best amenities? This guide will help you choose the gaming experience that’s right for you.
Best Place to Play Slots… and Get a Massage
Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort
From the bright lights of the machines to winning the big jackpot, there is nothing like playing slots. Enthusiasts now have the perfect destination to play their favorite Aristocrat slot titles. Earlier this year, Casino Arizona (casinoarizona.com) introduced the CAZ Cash Corner. This space brings together the newest slot machines with innovative features and plenty of chances to hit the jackpot.
If you’re looking to raise the stakes, Casino Arizona’s staycation-equipped sister property, Talking Stick Resort, has a premier high-limit room with over 100 slot machines and 14 table games. The casino also offers live music, the award-winning Spa at Talking Stick – perched on the 14th floor, making it the highest-elevation wellness center in the Valley – and amazing restaurants to help you relax. Book your stay today at talkingstickresort.com.
Best Place for a Staycation
Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass
If you’ve zoomed down I-10 through Chandler over the last year, chances are you’ve seen the new 11-story tower rising above Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass, part of the resort’s $143 million expansion.
Inside this AAA Four Diamond-rated property, guests will find 446 stylish rooms and luxurious suites; two temperature-controlled resort pools, including one designated for adults; a 36-hole PGA championship golf course; an award-winning spa; and Prime, a rooftop Shula’s Steakhouse that boasts an unobstructed views of the desert.
But the highlight of the resort is Showroom at Wild Horse Pass. The theater will host everyone from country star Clay Walker to comedian Nikki Glaser in the next few weeks. Plan your visit today and learn more at playatgila.com.
Best West Valley Casino
Desert Diamond Casino
In addition to its Glendale location near the Westgate Entertainment District, the Desert Diamond casino empire now offers players in the farthest reaches of the West Valley a place to game. The state-of-the-art Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks recently opened along Loop 303 in Waddell and features over 900 slot machines, a poker room, sports betting and plenty of table games.
Excitement also breeds hunger, and there are plenty of options to fuel your next round. The Pub Stop offers craft beers and an elevated bar menu, while the Food Hall has tacos and rotisserie chicken. But the jewel in this casino’s culinary crown has to be Morton’s The Steakhouse, offering classic steakhouse options and modern cocktails. Make your reservation today at ddcaz.com.
Best Sports Bar… and Book
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino
Plenty of changes are underway at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino in Maricopa, and in March, it opened Caesars Sportsbar. With two betting kiosks, 10 televisions and six LED video screens that show 56 games simultaneously, it’s the perfect spot to place a bet on the big game or keep track of your fantasy football team.
Of course, there’s no reason you can’t make it an entire weekend of winning at Harrah’s. Indulge in a delicious meal at Chop, Block & Brew steakhouse, hit the links at the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, grab a drink at the swim-up pool bar or try your luck at any of the slots and table games at the casino. Find out more at caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin.
Best Casino Dining Experience
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
Earlier this year, Ember, located inside We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, became the first tribal-owned restaurant in the state to receive the AAA Four Diamond Restaurant designation. The all-scratch kitchen features the highest-quality USDA Prime and Angus Wagyu beef, game and seafood from around the world, along with an award-winning wine and spirits list.
But there are plenty of reasons to visit this Northeast Valley gaming destination. Beyond the slot machines and table games, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort offers a new smoke-free bingo hall, its WKP Sportsbook and Cholla, one of Arizona’s finest golf courses. Learn more at wekopacasinoresort.com.
