If you’re driving down Highway 87 looking for the old Fort McDowell Casino Arizona sign, you’re gonna be confused. It's gone. Most people still call it "The Fort," but the truth is that the original building—the one that basically started the Indian gaming revolution in the Southwest—is a ghost. It closed its doors for good back in October 2020.
But don't turn the car around yet.
Right next door is the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. It’s not just a rebranding; it’s a total $120 million evolution. This isn't the dark, smoke-filled bingo hall your uncle used to frequent in the 90s. It’s a 166,341-square-foot behemoth that managed to open right in the middle of a global pandemic and somehow came out on top. Honestly, if you haven't been there since 2019, you basically haven't been there at all.
The Standoff That Changed Everything
You can't talk about Fort McDowell Casino Arizona without talking about the "Riot of '92." Most people think tribal gaming was always just a given. It wasn't. In May 1992, the FBI showed up at dawn to seize 349 slot machines. They thought they could just load 'em onto trucks and leave.
They were wrong.
The Yavapai people didn't just stand by. They used every car, truck, and piece of heavy machinery they had to block the access roads. They trapped the FBI inside. For three weeks, it was a standoff. That moment—that specific act of defiance—is why you can play a slot machine anywhere in Arizona today. May 12 is still a tribal holiday because of it. It’s a heavy legacy for a place that’s now known for high-end steaks and luxury pools.
Why the Name Changed
"We-Ko-Pa" means "Four Peaks" in the Yavapai language. The tribe wanted to move away from the "Fort" name because, well, forts aren't exactly symbols of indigenous prosperity. They're military outposts. By rebranding to We-Ko-Pa, they’re leaning into their own culture rather than the colonial history of the land.
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What’s Actually Inside the New Spot?
If you're heading out there today, the setup is way different than the old floor plan. For starters, it’s 100% smoke-free. That’s a polarizing move for some gamblers, but let's be real—your clothes won't smell like an ashtray when you leave, which is a win.
The Gaming Floor Breakdown:
- Slots: They’ve got about 850 to 1,100 machines depending on the current floor rotation. You’ll find the classics like Dancing Drums Explosion and those Buffalo titles that everyone seems to lose their minds over.
- The Poker Room: It’s small but high-quality. We’re talking five tables, usually running Texas Hold’em or Omaha. It’s open 24/7, which is great for the night owls.
- Bingo: This is the soul of the place. It’s a 750-seat hall. They’ve got these massive 50-inch LED monitors and "PHD" handheld machines. It’s a far cry from the paper daubers and wooden balls of the 80s.
- Sportsbook: They partnered with Betfred. There’s a 47-foot wide video wall. Basically, if you can’t see the game on that screen, you might need a new prescription for your glasses.
Dining: Beyond the Buffet
Okay, the buffet exists, and it’s fine. It has the usual Asian, Mexican, and Italian stations. But the real reason to make the drive is a place called Ember.
Most casino "steakhouses" are just overpriced places to get a mediocre ribeye. Ember is different. Chef Richard Pelz has a background that includes Michelin-starred spots in New York and Chicago, and it shows. They have a whiskey library that would make a Kentuckian weep and a wine list that consistently wins Wine Spectator awards. If you're going, get the wood-fired seafood. Just trust me on that one.
The "Secret" Perks of the Location
One thing people overlook about Fort McDowell Casino Arizona (or We-Ko-Pa) is where it sits. It’s right on the edge of the Tonto National Forest.
If you stay at the AAA Four Diamond hotel, you’re looking at the McDowell Mountains and Red Mountain. It doesn't feel like the suburban sprawl of Scottsdale or Phoenix. You’re essentially in the desert, but with a Sleep Number bed and a spa.
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Things to do if you’re losing at the tables:
- Amethyst Spa: Get a massage. It's better than tilting on a blackjack table.
- Golf: The Cholla and Saguaro courses are legit. Golfweek and Golf Magazine keep putting them on "Best in State" lists because there are zero houses on the fairways. It's just you and the saguaros.
- Fort McDowell Adventures: It’s about four miles away. You can do horseback riding or even a "cattle drive" team-building thing. It sounds kinda cheesy, but seeing a wild horse by the Verde River is actually pretty cool.
Common Misconceptions
I hear this all the time: "Is it still open?"
Yes, it's open. But again, look for We-Ko-Pa, not the old "Fort McDowell" signage.
Another one: "Is it close to Phoenix?"
Sorta. It’s about 25-30 miles from Sky Harbor Airport. It’s a straight shot up the Beeline Highway (Hwy 87). If you’re in Scottsdale, you’re looking at a 20-minute drive. It’s far enough to feel like a getaway, but close enough that you don't need a flight.
The 2026 Landscape
As of right now, the resort is leaning heavily into events. They’re hosting the "Check, Please! Arizona" Food Festival in April 2026, which is a massive deal for the local food scene. It’s bringing in big names like Lidia Bastianich. This tells you where their head is at—they want to be a "lifestyle destination," not just a place to pull a lever.
How to Maximize Your Visit
Don't just walk in and start throwing 20s into a machine. That’s rookie stuff.
Join the Fortune Club. It’s their rewards program. Even if you only go once, you usually get some "Free Play" or a discount at the Ahnala Mesquite Room. They also have an app now that lets you check your points and book rooms. It’s actually functional, which is rare for casino apps.
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Check the Entertainment Schedule. The WKP Sports & Entertainment bar does live music almost every Friday and Saturday night. They get a mix of local bands and tribute acts. It’s usually free, which makes the $15 craft beer a lot easier to swallow.
Watch the Heat. This is the Sonoran Desert. In the summer, those "outdoor smoking lounges" are basically kilns. If you're a smoker, be prepared for that 110-degree blast. The indoor areas are kept at a brisk "meat locker" temperature, so bring a light jacket even if it's July.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip, skip the third-party booking sites. Go directly to the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort website. They often have "Stay and Play" packages that bundle golf or spa credits with the room, which you won't find on Expedia.
Check the Bingo schedule before you go; the morning sessions usually have a different vibe (and better odds) than the rowdy Friday night games. If you want to eat at Ember, make a reservation at least a week out, especially if there's a concert or a festival happening at the Wassaja Conference Center.
Take the time to walk through the lobby and look at the tribal displays. Understanding the history of the Yavapai people makes the luxury of the new building feel a lot more significant. It’s not just a casino; it’s a monument to a tribe that refused to be moved.