By Donald Plunkett

For the gaming enthusiast or someone just looking to have a good time, there are seven casinos in the Phoenix, Arizona area. These include the following 2 Chandler casinos: Gila River Casino – Lone Butte and Wild Horse Pass, the following 2 Scottsdale casinos: Casino Arizona at McKellips Salt River and Talking Stick, and the Town of Maricopa’s Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Laveen’s Gila River Casino - Vee Quiva, and Fountain Hills’ Fort McDowell Casino. Technically, these casinos are not a part of the cities mentioned. They are adjacent to the cities mentioned and are located on Native American reservations. For instance, the Casino Arizona facilities are part of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community which is made up of two reservations. The tribes also conduct other business activities and many, particularly the ones located in the Scottsdale area, have completed successful nearby real estate developments. They also are active in sponsorships and charitable endeavors. All of these casinos with the exception of Harrah’s Ak-Chin are located in Maricopa County. Harrah’s Ak-Chin is located in Pinal County, near the Town of Maricopa and the City of Casa Grande.

The casinos generally offer slot machines including hi-limit slots, blackjack tables, keno, and poker rooms. Some even include bars, restaurants, and live music or entertainment. The casinos are regulated by the Arizona Department of Gaming. Tribes are required by signed compact with the state to pay up to 8% of gaming revenues to the State of Arizona. The 2003 compact capped the number of casinos in the Phoenix area, prohibiting additional casinos. The state also regulates among other things the number of slot machines per casino and total, the number of blackjack and poker tables per casino, and establishes bet limits. The state (as well as federal government) does not presently allow Internet gaming. Phoenix Arizona casinos employ thousands of people, both members of the tribe as well as other people not associate with the tribe. They also create jobs for vendor companies, like food supply companies, event planners, construction companies, security firms, and many others.

The presence of Phoenix casinos have been a selling point for certain people relocating to the Valley. For one, these casinos offer many jobs. A chef that works in a Las Vegas or Seattle area casino might accept a transfer to her company’s casino facility in Maricopa County. Others simply enjoy the casino experience as a paying customer. Many people with money to spend would like to find recreational activities available to them beyond golf, hiking, biking, sporting events, and art galleries. While this same group may travel to Las Vegas via car or short plane flight once or many times per year, they would also like to have the ability to play an occasional hand of blackjack or put some money in slot machines on a more casual basis. These people often also select Phoenix for its climate, proximity to other Western cities, and other reasons. Phoenix Arizona casinos have had a major presence in the Valley of the Sun for many years and this will continue.

About the Author: Donald Plunkett is a real estate broker with Congress Realty, a flat fee listing company which serves Phoenix and the entire State of Arizona. He has received the top ranking in MLS listings sold from the Phoenix Business Journal.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=224691&ca=Culture

By Santo Del Monico

For many Americans,tThe city of Phoenix is known for one thing, its triple digit summer temperature. Now you noticed I said summer temperature. Because the fact is the rest of the year the whether is heavenly. Fall and winter are mild with plenty of opportunities to enjoy all the outside activities available in the greater Phoenix area.

Phoenix, nicknamed "Valley of the Sun", is the state capital of Arizona and is located in central Arizona. And it is the county seat for Maricopa County. Since the 50s the population has grown 15-fold. Phoenix boasts the largest city park in the world, South Mountain Park, which comprises16,500 acres for hiking, biking and equestrian adventures.

Resort living is the key word for homes in the Phoenix area. Many of the homes are in planned communities, some with golf courses, and others with family orientated activities such as swimming pools and equipped neighborhood parks. For the retiree there are numerous communities that cater to the active senior. Of course the most famous of these communities is Del Web’s Sun City and Sun City west.

Phoenix, Scottsdale and other surrounding communities are well known for providing the traveler with luxurious resort accommodations. Whether you are visiting the Valley of the Sun with your family on holiday, or you are traveling to the Southwest desert for business, you can use this time to escape, relax and enjoy.

There are so many resorts in the Phoenix and the AAA has rated five of them with 5 diamonds. The AAA rates lodgings throughout the United States based on a scale of 1 diamond through 5 diamonds. Here is their description of the what it takes to be bestowed a 5 diamond designation:

The 5 Diamonds designation means the resort is Striking, Luxurious, and has Impeccable Service.

The Boulders Resort Resort & Golden Door

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Camelback Inn, A JW Marriott Resort & Spa

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

The Phoenician

Many resorts claim they are Striking, and Luxurious, and offer Impeccable Service, but to have five resorts that meet the 5 diamond status is worth a mention and another reason for the people of the Phoenix area to be very proud of their area.

About the Author: Contact AZhomeplace.com for all information about the Phoenix area.

Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=74977&ca=Real+Estate