Las Vegas-Style Games Debut on Friday, Aug. 6 at Gila River Hotels & Casinos

Submitted by 

Gila River Hotels & Casinos

CHANDLER, Ariz. (Aug. 4, 2021) – The official launch of Las Vegas-style gaming at Gila River Hotels & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass is Friday, Aug. 6. Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. (GRGE) announced today the addition of 14 live roulette, baccarat and craps table games to the Chandler property as a result of Arizona’s amended gaming compact that went into effect in May. 

Wild Horse Pass will also unveil a new, intimate High Limit Salon that will include six midi-baccarat tables, six high-limit blackjack tables, one high-limit roulette table featuring an exclusive “chocolate chip” valued at $5,000 a private cashier cage and a delicious Asian buffet.

Gila River is also excited to welcome So Young-Kish, an executive host with over 20 years’ experience from several global markets. Young-Kish is dedicated to assisting high-limit guests with exclusive access to the best gaming experiences, premium dining and high-energy entertainment.

Gila River’s two additional casinos, Lone Butte in Chandler and Vee Quiva in the West Valley, will debut live roulette, baccarat and craps table games in the coming weeks. All three properties will also increase the number of slot machines and betting limits, bringing more exciting and diverse gaming options to guests.

“Gila River is proud to advance and elevate our entertainment offerings to our treasured guests who seek the excitement and variety of a full-fledged Las Vegas-style casino,” said Kenneth Manuel, CEO of Gila River Hotels & Casinos. “This is truly a historic moment in our 27-year history that will benefit both the Gila River Indian Community and the State by providing additional jobs and tourism, as well as increased opportunities to support the Community.”

Gila River’s Chief Operations Officer, Richard Strafella, has an exceptional perspective on gaming. His comprehensive leadership background in gaming and hospitality includes more than 40 years in operations and development for highly regarded casinos in Las Vegas.

Strafella, who is a natural in his role, had the extraordinary opportunity of playing Robert De Niro’s executive assistant in the movie, “Casino.”

“Guests today expect to find entertaining, rewarding and experiential games when they visit a casino,” Strafella said, “Whether you’re seeking all the glamour and glitz or you desire to be low-key in a high-stakes game, you can find it here at Gila River Hotels & Casinos.”

Rat Pack Tribute and China Gold Shows

The celebration of the live table games will continue into Friday evening, with “Singin’-Swingin-Drinkin’,” a special show and salute to legendary icons Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin.

The Rat Pack musical tribute and parody will transport the audience back to the days when swaggering talent, song, dance and comedy ruled the stage. The high-energy, entertaining show starts at 8 p.m. in the Wild Horse Pass Showroom.

Heading into the weekend, “China Gold,” a special acrobatic show that balances intense, acrobatic athleticism with graceful choreography will take place on Saturday, Aug. 7 at 8 p.m. in the Wild Horse Pass Showroom.

 Tickets for both events cost $25.

Earn More Points with THE Card®

Gila River’s Chief Strategic Marketing Officer, Dominic Orozco, said guests enrolled in Gila River’s loyalty program can enjoy added benefits when they play with THE Card®.

 “Our loyalty program is the strongest in the area,” Orozco said. “Not only will our new table games offer card members higher rewards than Las Vegas, but guests can also play at all three of our properties while earning on the same card.”  

 Orozco said some of the new table games will also be sports-themed, aligning with Gila River’s brand designation as “Arizona’s Official Sports Headquarters.”

“Our partnerships with the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Coyotes, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Sun Devil Athletics have provided our guests with exclusive and enhanced experiences,” he said. “We are confident that these new games, including sports-themed chips and a vibrant setting, will resonate with sports fanatics.”

The gaming enterprise is also slated to open a $143 million expansion project at Wild Horse Pass this fall —bringing 205 additional guest rooms, new meeting space, two pools and a rooftop restaurant and lounge to the Chandler property. The project marks the first expansion since Wild Horse Pass opened in 2009.