The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation recently started welcoming visitors to its new casino resort. The new property, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort opened its game for visitors on October 29, 2020. The property is located in Scottsdale.

Replacing an old casino

The new property is a 166,341-sq ft gaming region that replaces Fort McDowell Casino which opened in 1984 as a bingo hall. The tribe is federally recognized and held a grand ceremony for the multi-million-dollar casino that was announced on June 29, 2018, with an estimated completed date of spring 2020.

Bernadine Burnette, the president of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation commented on the opening and said,

“We’re proud that we were Arizona’s first casino and are now the state’s newest casino. Gaming has been a part of our tribal community for the past three decades and has allowed us to provide financial security for our members and employees.”

He added that the new upscale casino will enhance patrons’ gaming experience while maintaining the authentic Native American look and appeal. Its design comes with elements of earth, water, fire, and basket weaving which he described as important parts of their culture.

What does the property feature?

The property comes with a visitor-centric experience but with a contemporary ambiance. They come with traditional gaming amenities like slots, bingo, table games etc. and feature event venues as well as numerous dining options. The venue also connects with the AAA Four-Diamond Hotel, a 246-room property with a new four-story covered parking.

The gaming property also connects with the existing We-Ko-Pa Gold Club. It has two golf courses- the Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw designed Saguaro and the Scott Miller-designed Cholla Course, both award-winning courses. They are located right across the street from the casino property on land owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

The gaming property will feature 923 slots which include 55 slots in the High Limit Lounge and 44 slots located in the four casino bars. It will offer Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em Poker, and Blackjack, alongside other popular table games. It also has a new, smoke-free bingo hall with 760seats and a five-table poker room.