PHOENIX -- The blue neon lights that stretch ten stories are visible from around the southeast Valley, and some hope the bright lights will lead to a big payoff for a new hotel and casino on the Gila River Indian Community that opened Friday night.
Long lines began forming early in the day Friday for the 9:00 pm opening prompting casino officials to open nearly five hours ahead of schedule.
"I walked around and there wasn't a machine open," said Dale Ennos, one of the board members.
"We started planning this back in 2005," said Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino Chief Executive Officer Harold Baugus.
The
casino covers more than 100,000 square feet.
"I planned to come out here and now I'm going to stay in the hotel a couple nights," said Letitia Lamar of Avondale. "It is beautiful."
"We have more than 1,000 slots, five lounges, we have a 240-room hotel with 39 suites and a state of the art 1,500 seat entertainment concert venue that we spent about $1 million on the lighting and sound equipment alone," Baugus said.
Those involved say the hotel and casino has cost about $215 million to build, which is a huge investment considering gaming dollars in Arizona and Nevada are down by, according to some estimates, double-digit figures.
"We built this facility to meet our business needs, we're in a long term plan here, we're talking 20 years, we're going to be in the community from now on," Baugus said. "The economy has affected us somewhat and will continue to affect us, but nothing drastic to our business model."
Baugus says the casino hired more than 200 new full time employees to work at the facility.
Aside from a high-tech night club able to seat up to 500 people, Baugus and others are also excited about the casino's dining options.
There are several fast-food style restaurants including a deli and pizza restaurant, but on the second floor, overlooking the casino, you'll find the facility's high-end dining option.
Shula's American Steak House comes complete with private eating areas and fine dining.
"It's actually the second Shula's west of the Mississippi," said Baugus.
The high-end restaurant is expected to attract celebrities and reservations are required.
With the economy hurting and gaming overall taking a hit, some might call the grand opening itself a gamble.
"I think things are starting to turn around," said Ennos.
"It is a great way to destress," said Lamar as she gambled with friends. "It is funny because I'm not working so I thought I'd try a few bucks."
At the Whirlwind Golf Club, just a short drive from the casino, business has been slow.
"It's definitely been tough, everyone has noticed it. We've done all we could to stay afloat," said Jason Sanders with the club.
They welcome the new addition to the neighborhood in this weak economy.
"We don't know if people are ready to spend their money yet, but they were ready to build this to find out," said Sanders.
That's what the golf club and casino are betting on.
"If they are doing well we're doing well," Sanders said. "It goes hand in hand."
