Arizona has 18 casinos, all on Indian reservations. Many are close to metropolitan areas that also offer many other activities, including golf, hiking, shopping and, from late February-April, baseball spring training.
Seven of the casinos are located in or around the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. While the casinos are on Indian reservations, most are full-service affairs, with table games, slots and, in some cases, keno.
Phoenix/Scottsdale
Casino Arizona has two locations, both in Scottsdale, and they are close enough to the urban area that both casinos offer signature "Blackjack Breaks," which are mini blackjack tournaments during the lunch hour. You can stay at the Casino Arizona resort for a full vacation experience. There are enough casinos around the Phoenix/Scottsdale area that gaming could easily be combined with golf. Scottsdale is home to two TPC courses and two Troon-chain courses, all of which are quite tricked up, but usually in great condition.
Phoenix/Scottsdale Casinos
Casino Arizona/Salt River
524 North 92nd Street
Scottsdale, Arizona 85256
(480) 850-7777
casinoarizona.com
Casino Arizona/Talking Stick
9700 East Indian Bend
Scottsdale, Arizona 85256
(480) 850-7777
casinoarizona.com
Fort McDowell Casino
10424 North Fort McDowell Road
Fort McDowell, Arizona 85264
(800) 843-3678
fortmcdowellcasino.com
Gila River Casinos/Wild Horse Pass
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.
Chandler, Arizona 85226
(800) 946-4452
wingilariver.com
Gila River Casinos/Vee Quiva
6443 N. Komatke Lane
Laveen, Arizona 85339
(800) 946-4452
wingilariver.com
Gila River Casinos/Lone Butte
1077 S. Kyrene Rd.
Chandler, Arizona 85226
(800) 946-4452
wingilariver.com
Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin Casino
15406 Maricopa Road
Maricopa, Arizona 85239
(480) 802-5000
harrahsakchin.com
Tucson Area
A bit more sedate than their Phoenix-area neighbors, Tucson has live bingo and keno--both of which can be tough to find, even at full-service casinos. The Desert Diamond casinos boast the "highest uncapped" poker tournaments in the state. Tucson has more than 25 public golf courses to choose from, including Arizona National, a forgiving layout designed by Robert Trent Jones.
Tucson Area Casinos
Casino del Sol
5655 West Valencia Rd.
Tucson, Arizona
(800) 344-9435
solcasinos.com
Casino of the Sun
7474 S Camino De Oeste
Tucson, Arizona
(800) 344-9435
solcasinos.com
Desert Diamond Nogales
7350 S Nogales Hwy
Tucson, Arizona 85756
(866) 332-9467
desertdiamondcasino.com
Desert Diamond I-10
1100 W Pima Mine Rd
Sahuarita, Arizona 85629
(866) 332-9467
desertdiamondcasino.com
Colorado River Casinos
Located on the banks of the Colorado River, the BlueWater is off the beaten path. Closer to Laughlin, Nevada than the Phoenix area, this casino has the usual assortment of gaming, but also offers water sports. The Cocopah is strictly a casino (no lodging), located near Yuma, about midway between Phoenix and San Diego. Golf is available in both locations, but neither is a golf destination.
BlueWater Casino & Resort
11300 Resort Drive
Parker, Arizona 85344
(888) 243-3360
bluewaterfun.com
Cocopah Casino Resort
15318 South Avenue B
Somerton, Arizona 85350
wincocopahcasino.com
Other Areas
Of the rest of Arizona's casinos, the Mazatzal in Payson offers the best golf package. The all-suite resort itself is comfortable, and rooms are equipped with mini fridges, wet bars and coffee makers. Chaparral Pines Golf Club is nearby and the resort offers "stay and play" packages throughout the year. The resort is about 90 miles from Phoenix at the foot of the Mazatzal mountain range.
Payson
Mazatzal Casino
P. O. Box 1820
Payson Arizona 85547
(800) 777-7529
777play.com
Pinetop
Hon-Dah Resort Casino
777 Highway 260
Pinetop, Arizona 85935
(800) 929-8744
hon-dah.com
Prescott
Bucky's Casino/Yavapai Gaming Center & Resort
1500 E. Highway 69
Prescott, Arizona 86301
(800) 756-8744
buckyscasino.com
San Carlos
Apache Gold Casino Resort
PO Box 1210
San Carlos, Arizona 85550
(800) 272-2438
apachegolfcasinoresort.com
Sedona
Cliff Castle Casino
555 Middle Verde Road
Camp Verde, Arizona 86322
(800) 381-7568
cliffcastlecasino.net
About The Author
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
