City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (520) 838-6506, (800) 344-9435

Address: 5655 W. Valencia Rd.

Description: The Pascua Yaqui Tribe was one of the last Native American peoples to gain federal recognition by the US Congress. In 1964 the tribe was deeded about 200 acres of desert land southwest of Tucson and acquired an additional 590 acres in 1988. Today about 13,000 members of the tribe live in the area, which also houses the tribe’s casinos, a source of revenue and employment for tribal members. Casino of the Sun, built in 1989, boasts casino games, slot machines, live-action card room, blackjack, video poker, and more. There are over 500 games to choose from.The tribe’s second casino, Casino Del Sol, built in 2001, offers live entertainment in an outdoor amphitheater (see the Nightlife chapter) and has 22,500 square feet of gaming space, featuring nearly 1,000 multi­denominational slot machines, plus live blackjack and poker. Casino Del Sol has several dining options, including a fine-dining sushi restaurant, several casual and quick restaurants, and a bar/lounge in the center of the gaming floor. Players clubs are available at both locations. The casinos are open every day except on certain days during the Holy Week of Easter.As with casinos all across the US, these places really draw the crowds, particularly on weekends. Parking is free, with plenty of wheelchair-accessible spots. From Tucson go west on Valencia Road about 5 miles past I-10—you won’t miss the signs pointing the way. Both casinos are open 24/7.