Gila River Hotels & Casinos open after closure

Emma Hughes
Gila River Indian News

While the rest of the state and Community are set to reopen, Gila River Hotels & Casinos will also be reopening their doors on Friday, May 15. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on many changes and adjustments to prevent the spread and to stay safe and healthy. During the eight-week closure Gila River Hotels & Casino has made some of those changes for the safety of their guest and employees.

Gila River Hotels & Casinos has tested all their employees for COVID-19 before returning and all three casinos have been completely deep cleaned and sanitized. Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte and Vee Quiva will partially reopen their doors for the public with some new changes to maximize floor space and revenue for the Gila River Indian Community. “We made use of our casino floors and we actually expanded our gaming and slot machines in areas that they had never been into before,” said Kenneth Manuel, CEO of Gila River Hotels & Casinos. Many slot machines have been moved off the main casino floor and moved into areas like poker rooms and bingo hall areas. 

“Cleaning ambassadors” will now be designated to routinely clean and sanitize slot machines and table games after each guest once they are done, utilizing technology employees will be notified once a guest leaves and will be able to clean before another arrives. Plexiglass has been placed in areas of the casino floors such as cashier’s cage, in between slot machines, and at table games for the safety of guests and employees. “We want to make sure our guests feel safe and secure while they’re here,” said Manuel. These safety measures are as recommend by the Center for Disease Control. 

Gila River Indian Community members are invited to the re-opening at either one of the three casinos, Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte, and Vee Quiva on Friday, May 15 at 10 a.m. Community members will need to be prepared to show their GRIC ID.

The general public is welcomed to join at noon. Safety plans have been developed for the health and wellness of guests during the reopening. 

Hotels will remain closed but are slated to open on June 15.