BOVADA The Apache Sky Casino is a sister to the Apache Gold Casino. Both are owned by the San Carlos Apaches. In February 2016 the San Carlos Apaches broke ground on this Pinal County casino on a 170-acre site on the southern tip of the San Carlos Apache Nation. The San Carlos Apache Nation has broken ground on its new tribal casino in Pinal County, Apache Sky, located in central Arizona. Located near Dudleyville, the 170-acre site is located on the southern end of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation and is part of the tribe’s ongoing casino project.

Leaders from the San Carlos Apache and surrounding communities officially break ground on the casino planned near Dudleyville, AZ. It should be open in June.

What has long been a rumor and plans will soon become a reality.

Generally speaking, the more games that an AZ casino website provides, the better the site is. The top online casinos in Arizona that operate today provide members with thousands of different gaming options. There are some notable exceptions though. Some online casinos are known to focus on specific games such as slots and table games.

Apache Sky Casino sits on 170 acres of the San Carlos Apache Reservation near the Pinal-Gila County line. The casino will offer attendees more than 300 slot machines, table games including blackjack and three-card poker as well as a full-service bar, among other amenities, according to a news release. Luckily, Hon-Dah Casino Pinetop-Lakeside, Apache Gold Casino & Resort San Carlos, Mazatzal Casino & Hotel Payson, Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort and Fort Mcdowell Casino are pretty close. In a casino, you’ll frequently find the notable established games: Poker, Roulette, Blackjack, etc. Don’t worry about finding a croupier for guidance.

On Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, the San Carlos Apache tribe held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new Apache Sky Casino. The casino will be located off of Hwy. 77 between Central Arizona College and Dudleyville on reservation land. The casino has been a long time in coming and local communities and the San Carlos Apaches are looking forward to the economic benefits it brings to the area.

Harold Kenton, an Apache singer, spoke about his grandfather being from Aravaipa. He sang a “prayer song” and provided the blessing.

Gary Murrey, CEO for Apache Gold gave a brief update on the casino project. The plans call for a temporary casino that will have 375 slots and four gaming tables. Construction will start in three weeks and the temporary casino is expected to be in place in June. The construction will provide 100 jobs. The temporary casino will mean employment for 200 people and when the permanent casino project is completed there will be 400 jobs. It is expected to be the “anchor” for other businesses that will provide services for people that come to the area.

Terry Rambler, Chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council, spoke about “developing a community” and “working together with our neighbors to make things better for our children and grandchildren.” He talked about partnering with Central Arizona College Aravaipa campus to create a gaming curriculum to train workers for the gaming and hotel industry.

“It is a great day for all of us,” he added.

John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.

Winkelman Az

By Mila Besich-Lira

Hayden Az

Last week the San Carlos Apache Tribe announced that the Tribe will begin construction on a second casino within the Copper Corridor. The new casino will be located just east of highway 77 at Milepost 127 between Mammoth and Dudleyville.

The Tribe is planning on constructing a temporary facility that will house up to 400 slot machines, 10 to 12 table games, a small lounge and restaurant. Future plans for the casino site will include a permanent full service resort which will include hotel and convention space. The anticipated opening of the temporary casino will be in the first half of 2014 with construction of the permanent facility to begin shortly after of the opening of the temporary location.

The plans for construction of the second casino were put on hold in 2008 due to the nationwide economic downturn. In a press release provided by the Tribe, they announced that the project will help to bring much needed economic benefits to the Tribe and the surrounding areas. They anticipate that the new casino will create 400 permanent jobs in addition to the construction jobs and it will also bring millions of dollars in revenue to the area.

The San Carlos Apache Tribe is allowed to operate two class II gaming facilities according to the 2003 State Gaming Compact. The Tribe will be hosting community meetings prior to the construction of the temporary facility. According to the press release, the Tribe is looking forward to working with the local communities and communicating with them about the construction process and economic benefits.

The Tribe’s first casino the Apache Gold Casino Resort is located just east of Globe on the San Carlos Indian Reservation.