History

Gila River Casinos are located on the Gila River Indian Community in the state of Arizona. The Gila River Indian community is divided into (7) seven different colonies; they are listed as follows:

District 1 Blackwater
District 2 Sacaton Flats (Hashan Kehk)
District 3 Sacaton
District 4 Santan
District 5 Casa Blanca
District 6 Komatke
District 7 Maricopa Colony

Definition of Names:

Wild Horse Pass: Wild Horses ran through and around the current site.
Vee Quiva: Derived from Pima & Maricopa words meaning “Mountain West.”
Lone Butte Casino Area location (Lone Butte industrial Park and community): The name is also a tribute to “original” casino previously located in same area.

Gila River Gaming Enterprises, Inc. History:

1993

Gila River Indian Community signed gaming compact

1994

Original Lone Butte Casino opened May 25 (6,800 sq.ft.)
1 Deli
271 Slot Machines

1995

Original Wild Horse Pass Casino opened in a temporary structure on June 3rd (66,000 sq.ft. sprung white Tents)
500 slot machines
1 Deli
1 Restaurant
25 seat live Keno
1500 Seat Bingo Hall

1997

Original Wild Horse Pass Casino Opened on November 15 (Permanent Site) 167,400 sq. ft. Architectural tribute to the Hu Hu Kam Casa Grande Ruins
500 slot machines
1500 seat Bingo Hall
50 Poker Tables - one of the largest poker rooms in AZ
Non-alcoholic sports lounge
30 seat live Keno
2 Delis located in the Bingo Hall and Slot floor
1 Restaurant: "Wind Dance Restaurant"
1 retail gift shop

1997

Vee Quiva Casino Opened on December 17 (Permanent Site) 69,000 sq. ft Native American Design / Tribal community names incorporated in name of casino floor areas
500 Slot Machines
500 seat Bingo Hall
10 Poker tables (only poker room on Westside of Metro-Phoenix)
1 Buffet/ Restaurant
1 Food Deli
1 Retail Gift Shop

2002