By Jason Reeher
There are many casinos in Arizona.
According to the Arizona Department of Gaming, Arizona has 23 casinos. Largely owned and operated by Native American tribes, the casinos are grouped perfectly for visiting multiple locations during a vacation. Travel to
Phoenix/Scottsdale, Tucson and Southward, or visit casinos off the beaten path. Combine gaming with events and fine dining for the ultimate Arizona casino vacation.
Phoenix and Scottsdale
Start your trip to Arizona with a stop in the Phoenix area. In Scottsdale, you can visit either of the Casino Arizona locations: on 92nd Street at 101 Freeway and McKellips or on Indian Bend Road. At McKellips, you can play slots, blackjack and keno, plus see musical tributes like Showstoppers Live. Indian Bend features slots, blackjack, poker, a bar and café. You'll also want to bring your golf clubs and play a round at nearby Talking Stick Golf Club.
After the Casino Arizona stay, head out to Chandler, which is home to two Gila Rivers casinos. Lone Butte has slots, table games and bingo. Wild Horse Pass has slots, poker and blackjack, plus a 24-hour deli, valet parking and live entertainment Thursday through Sunday.
To complete your Phoenix-area gaming trip, book a stay at Fort McDowell Casino. Taking advantage of amenities like a spa and Jacuzzi, luxury-minded gamblers will enjoy winding down and relaxing at the Fort McDowell Radisson.
Tucson and South
If Phoenix and Scottsdale have the more luxurious casinos, the budget-minded gambling fan can always head to Tucson and Southern Arizona. The Sol Casino---Casino Del Sol and Casino of the Sun, in Tucson---have great free features like complimentary coffee and doughnuts for breakfast and no charge for live weekend shows. Sol Casinos conduct bingo, slots, poker and original table games like Casino War.
For a second leg of gaming in Southern Arizona, try Desert Diamond, just south of Tucson on Pima Mine Road. At Desert Diamond, the budget-conscious will love the Agave Restaurant and its inexpensive lunch and dinner buffets, plus keno and live blackjack.
Other Casinos
If you want to visit some casinos outside the Phoenix or Tucson areas, there are some great choices that combine natural features with gaming. Hondah resort Casino in Pinetop offers easy access to skiing on White Mountain Apache Reservation. Visitors who want to take in the Colorado River should consider a stay at BlueWater Resort and Casino in Parker. BlueWater has a marina for boat launches and a card room with games like Seven Card Stud and Omaha High-Low.
About the Author:
Jason Reeher has been a freelance writer for 20 years. Reeher's opinions have appeared in a wide variety of publications, including "USA Today" and "The Wall Street Journal." He holds a master's degree in business and public administration from the University of Phoenix.
Photo Credits:
SLOT MACHINE LIMONE image by DAN from
Fotolia.com
