Casino Del Sol was opened by Tucson's Pasqua Yaqui Tribe on July 4, 2003. Since then it has been Arizona's largest casino. The casino offers gamblers a place to take in some Mexican flare at the Tequila Factory, a restaurant and fiesta bar that, according to Tucson Weekly, "puts an emphasis on presentation." Along with an extensively colorful menu, the eatery has live mariachi band on Sundays from 10a.m. - 2p.m.
If you're only interested in leaving the poker table for a quick refueling, Casino Del Sol also has Abuelitas Taquera, the place that specializes in producing tacos, burritos and quesadillas in a hurry.
If food is only going to kill your buzz, the Mexican influence stretches to the casino's bar scene at La Botellita, a lounge open till 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Desert Diamond Casinos are operated by the Tohono O'odham Nation. The casino claims to have an emphasis on supporting the local Indian communities as well as Southern Arizona. They have 1,200 employees, many Native American.
The Desert Diamond Casinos showcase their Mexican influence through their concerts. On Jan. 30, the Tex-Mex band Los Gallegos will perform at the sports bar.
So what's the point of the Mexican influence on the cuisine, bars, and entertainment at the casinos? Is it to help embrace Southern Arizona's culture? Draw in Mexican cliental? Or is it to simply make people feel like they are vacationing south of the border? How does the Mexican influence financially impact the casinos? It's my intention to find out.
