- When it comes to Phoenix casinos, the deck is stackedplaying cards image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
Not long ago, would-be gamblers in and around Phoenix had to venture all the way to Laughlin, Nevada, to try their luck. Now, there are casinos around the metropolitan Phoenix area. While all offer slot machines, card games and dining options, three local casinos stand out among the competition for their commitment to giving clientele a distinctive gaming and entertainment experience. - With 1,026 slot machines, 51 blackjack tables and a sprawling poker room, the Casino Arizona at the Loop 101 Freeway and McKellips Road has a distinctly upscale feel despite the fact that it always keeps a few low-limit tables open. The casino also has keno, three-card poker, let it ride and other popular card games. Its gorgeous showroom hosts world-class performers all year long. As of March 2010, its ongoing "Showstoppers Live" features a host of the Valley's best celebrity impersonators.
Casino Arizona
524 North 92nd Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85256-5402
480-850-7777
casinoarizona.com - Gila River Casino at Wild Horse Pass was feeling a little run-down, but its reopening in 2009 gave it new life. It's now the new Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, a Vegas-caliber offering that prides itself on updating its floor with the latest slot machines. Its bonus-laden table games have friendly dealers surrounded by televisions tuned to sports stations. In addition to its AiRIA nightclub, Wild Horse Pass has a 1,400-seat theater, a huge bar and a separate lounge. There's also high-end dining at Shula's American Steak House and Ling & Louie's Asian Bar & Grill, as well as good cheap eats at Fatburger, Famiglia Pizzeria and Tamales.
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.
Chandler, AZ 85226
800-946-4452
wingilariver.com - What it lacks in polish, Fort McDowell makes up for in personality. The casino's low table minimums and perpetually sarcastic dealers give it an old-school, lived-in air that's hard to find in other Phoenix-area casinos. Four of its five restaurants specialize in American fare. It has an ongoing Sunday car show as of March 2010 and you can even find an occasional swap meet in the parking lot. If you're looking for a slice of classic Phoenix, Fort McDowell Casino delivers in spades.
Fort McDowell Casino
10424 North Fort McDowell Road
Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
800-843-3678
fortmcdowellcasino.com
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
