Casinos

Thanks to two neighboring Native American communities, Scottsdale [1] is within easy access of three big casinos, offering gaming 24 hours a day. And because the gaming houses are on sovereign tribal land, smoking is allowed indoors.

Operated by the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community, Casino Arizona (480/850-7777, www.casinoaz.com [2]) has two locations just off the Highway 101 (Loop 101). The largest, Casino Arizona at Salt River (Highway 101 and McKellips Rd.) has more than a thousand slot machines, in addition to two blackjack rooms and a keno parlor. For a break from the din of the casino, the 250-seat theater regularly books national acts, and its Showstoppers Live event/show features impersonations of classic music acts like Elvis, Madonna, and The Four Tops.

Less than 10 minutes up the road, Lady Luck pays off better at Casino Arizona at Indian Bend (Highway 101 and Indian Bend Rd.), with its 637 slots, 42 blackjack tables, keno, off-track betting, and decent poker room.

The Fort McDowell Casino (10424 N. Fort McDowell Rd., 480/837-1424, www.fortmcdowellcasino.com [3]), operated by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, is a little bit further out of town. Take Shea Boulevard 20 minutes east to State Route 87 (Beeline Highway) toward the town of Fountain Hills, and turn left on Fort McDowell Road. More than 800 gaming machines, 55 table and poker games, live keno, and regular bingo and poker tournaments throughout the week should keep any gambler busy.