Gila river new casino

July 16, 2025

Get a complete guide to Gila River's new Santan Mountain casino. Find details on gaming options, the BetMGM sportsbook, dining, and property layout near Chandler, AZ.

Gila River's New Santan Mountain Casino Opens Its Doors to the Public =====================================================================

Plan your initial trip to the Santan Mountain establishment for a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. This timing allows for unobstructed access to the 850+ gaming machines, including the latest Dragon Link and Buffalo Ascension titles, and often guarantees a seat at one of the 25 live table games without the weekend wait times. The property's layout is specifically designed for intuitive navigation between the slots, table games, and the central sportsbook.

Beyond the main gaming floor, prioritize the BetMGM Sportsbook, which features several high-definition screens and individual viewing stations for a premium spectating experience. For culinary options, reservations for Prime, the signature chophouse, are necessary several days ahead due to high demand. For a quicker alternative, Mein Dish provides authentic Asian cuisine, while the Upper Deck Deli serves elevated bar fare adjacent to the sportsbook action.

This fourth entertainment property from the Community distinguishes itself with a deliberate architectural focus on openness. The design avoids the enclosed feel of traditional gaming venues by incorporating expansive windows and direct access to outdoor garden areas. This approach creates an atmosphere connected to the surrounding Sonoran setting, offering a distinct alternative to other regional betting destinations.

A Practical Guide to Gila River's New Santan Mountain Casino

For the most direct access to the gaming floor, park in the west garage. The Santan Mountain establishment, located at Gilbert Road and Hunt Highway, offers complimentary valet service starting at 4 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Self-parking is plentiful, but the west entrance minimizes walking distance to the main attractions.

The gaming floor features 813 slot machines and 25 table games. https://h2bet.app -demand tables include Craps offering 10x odds, six-deck Blackjack with a $15 minimum, and Mini Baccarat. For a less crowded experience, visit between 2 PM and 5 PM on a weekday. The high-limit salon provides a more private setting with increased betting limits.

The centerpiece is the BetMGM Sportsbook, equipped with a 130-foot-wide media wall and four live betting windows, supplemented by multiple self-service kiosks. Seating is first-come, first-served. For dining, Honey & Vine serves American fare; reservations are suggested for weekend evenings. Quicker options include Mein Dish for Asian noodles and Rizzo's for pizza and sandwiches.

The Card, the loyalty program for the Community's gaming enterprise, is fully integrated. Players can earn and redeem points accumulated at this or other affiliated properties. Drinks at the Hive bar, located near the main entrance, are reasonably priced, and the area provides a direct line of sight to the live entertainment stage.

Navigating the Gaming Floor: Available Slot Machines and Table Games

Target the Dragon Link and Lightning Link machine banks near the main entrance for the highest progressive jackpot pools. The floor at this establishment holds more than 850 electronic devices, including traditional reel slots and advanced multi-line video games. A sizable video poker area offers popular variants like Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker Deluxe. Denominations span from $0.01 to high-limit machines accepting $25 per play.

The central pit is configured with 25 tables. Seek out the Blackjack games offering a 3-to-2 payout and a six-deck shoe; minimum wagers start at $15. Additional options feature Craps, double-zero Roulette, and Mini-Baccarat. The property also hosts poker-style games, including Ultimate Texas Hold'em and Three Card Poker. For a secluded experience, a high-limit room offers private Blackjack and Baccarat with table minimums of $100.

Beyond the Bets: A Look at the Dining Options and Live Entertainment Schedule

Reserve a table at The Prime Cut for its signature 22-ounce bone-in ribeye, dry-aged on-site for 28 days. The steakhouse also features a seafood tower with fresh oysters and colossal shrimp. For a more casual meal, The Copper Spoon serves Sonoran-inspired dishes; its green chile pork stew and blue corn enchiladas are local favorites. The Market offers quick options like artisan sandwiches and coffee from 6 AM until 2 AM daily.

The main entertainment venue, The Showroom, presents a rotating schedule of ticketed events. Here is the upcoming lineup:

Friday, July 11th: Smooth Sounds, a Santana tribute act, performs at 9 PM. Tickets begin at $45. Seating is assigned upon purchase.

Saturday, July 19th: Stand-up comedian Gabriel Iglesias has two shows, one at 7 PM and a later one at 10 PM. Expect a full house for both performances.

Thursdays in July: The Oasis Lounge features local acoustic artist Maria Sanchez from 7 PM to 10 PM. There is no cover charge for these lounge performances.

Saturday, July 26th: 80s Rewind Night in The Showroom features DJ Pulse from 10 PM until closing. A $10 entry fee applies after 11 PM.

Planning Your Trip: Location, Parking, and Player Rewards Program Details

The gaming destination is located at the southeastern corner of Hunt Highway and Gilbert Road in Chandler. For direct navigation, use the address 1201 S. Gilbert Road, Chandler, AZ 85249. The property is approximately three miles south of the Loop 202 Santan Freeway Gilbert Road exit, putting it directly south of Chandler Municipal Airport.

Parking Availability

Self-Parking: A multi-level garage provides over 4,000 complimentary covered parking spaces. Additional surface lots are available closer to the main entrance for quick access.
Valet Service: Offered at the primary hotel entrance for a fee. This service is provided at no cost to top-tier rewards members. Check the property's website for current valet rates before your arrival.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging: A set of dedicated EV charging stations are positioned on the first level of the main parking garage. These stations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Oversized Vehicle Parking: Designated areas for RVs and other large vehicles are situated in the southwestern surface lot. Note that overnight utility hookups are not available.

“THE Card” Player Rewards Program

Enrollment in “THE Card” program is free at the player services desk and provides tiered benefits based on points earned annually. Points accumulate through gaming, dining, and hotel stays.

Emerald Tier (0 – 24,999 Points): This is the entry level. Members receive personalized offers, direct mail promotions, and discounts at select retail shops on the premises.
Ruby Tier (25,000 – 99,999 Points): Includes all Emerald benefits, supplemented with periodic point multipliers on gaming activity and priority lines at specific restaurants and the hotel front desk.
Onyx Tier (100,000 – 399,999 Points): Provides all Ruby benefits plus assignment of a dedicated host, complimentary valet parking, and exclusive access to the Onyx Lounge.
Platinum Tier (400,000+ Points): The highest level, offering all Onyx benefits. Additional perks include top priority for event tickets, an annual complimentary resort getaway package, and invitations to exclusive high-limit tournaments.

Points accumulation on slot machines is typically one point per dollar wagered. For video poker and table games, point earning rates are calculated based on the game type, your average bet, and the duration of your play.