Tucson Casino Poker Rooms: There's Only Two

I've been in Tucson for a couple of weeks now and I'm beginning to settle in. My "headquarters" is the Casino del Sol, owned and operated by the Pascua Yaqui tribe. The poker room at the del Sol is well run, has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and many of the regulars consider it a second home. With about 14 tables, it's large enough to host tournaments and the usual run of cash games.

On day one I noticed there were no "no-limit" games. Why? Apparently, the Arizona Department of Gaming has placed a $150 cap on any bet, thus no-limit games are impossible. However, the del Sol does run a popular 2-20 split game that is essentially a "no-limit" type of game with a $20 cap. The blinds are $1 and $2, and you can bet up to $20 at any time on any betting round. They also have a $2/$4 limit game that is popular, plus $3/$6 limit. One group of "high rollers" usually meets on Tuesday nights for a $75/$150 limit game that attracts a few onlookers. It's as close as the del Sol gets to a high-stakes game.

In 1964, with the aid of Congressman Morris K. Udall, the Pascua Yaquis received 202 acres of desert land where Indian identity and sovereignty can be asserted and maintained. On September 18, 1978, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona became federally recognized: the Pascua Pueblo Pueblo of the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation officially came "into being".

The Pascua Yaquis have a status similar to other Indian tribes of the United States. This status makes the Yaqui eligible for specific services that the United States offers Native American peoples who have suffered land loss.

The other casino poker room in Tucson is at the Desert Diamond Casino. The Desert Diamond is run by the Tohono O'odham Nation. I've not visited their facilities yet, but hope to get by there this week.

According to the Arizona Daily Star, Arizona casinos are having a record year in earnings. The revenue that tribes contribute to the state went up almost 5% in the third quarter. In fiscal 2007 that ended in June, gross revenue from all tribal casinos in the state totaled $1.9 billion, with $92 million going to the state of Arizona. Wow! That's a lot of old ladies and retirees playing nickel slots.

Although no official revenues are released from individual casinos, information from local agencies and governments have estimated that the Tohono O'odham casinos raked in an estimated $196 million in fiscal 2007. The estimated gross revenue of the Pascua Yaqui last year is $104 million.

"A Mountain" and the Tucson Visitors Center

The locals call it "A Mountain" and when you see it you know the reason. It has huge letter "A", the logo of the University of Arizona, embedded on it so large that you can see it from throughout the city.

Actually, the small mountain (large hill?) is a volcanic mound thousands of years old that is in the heart of the city's west side. It's referred to by historians as the place the city of Tucson was founded.

I drove to the top of Sentinel Peak, it's real name, and looked at the gorgeous panoramic views from on high. I had a 360-degree view of the Tucson area from high above the city. The drive up was a little scary, with only a narrow two-lane road leading the way.

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I took these photos from the top of Sentinel Peak.

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The Tucson Visitors Center

In downtown, the Visitors Center is a funky looking place located off a shady park area in the heart of the city. I was happy to see "Visitors Center" signs posted from the highway showing me the way.

This is Mickie (right) and friend, volunteers at the Visitors Center. Mickie was helpful in pointing out local attractions and gave me some Halloween candy (candy corn). She took a map of the city, and armed with a highlighter, marked it up with all kinds of suggestions for me as a newcomer. I took her picture and told her I was going to post it on my blog. "We're going to be famous," she said.

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Much is being written locally about the revitalization plans for downtown Tucson. The downtown area is nothing to brag about, yet. They hope to bring life back to it through residential development, an entertainment and retail district, plus improving their art and museum sites. So far, according to local papers, the business community has failed to get on board with the city to make things happen. Like many cities around the country, the major growth of the city is occurring in the surrounding suburbs and developers have abandoned the downtown area.

Canyon Street Art Galleries, Santa Fe

Canyon Street is the center of the art district near downtown Santa Fe. The narrow street is home to numerous art galleries. Parking on the street is limited, so arrive early or be prepared to walk.

Shidoni Gallery, Teseque

Teseque is a small indian pueblo north of Santa Fe. I visited the Shidoni Gallery located there the first day I was in the area. The Shidoni has a foundry, artist studio, gallery, and two sculpture gardens with large bronzes and iron sculptures.

Slideshow of Santa Fe Trip

Before leaving the ABQ area I took an overnight trip to Santa Fe. These photos were taken during the trip.

Slideshow of Scenic Beauty from ABQ to Silver City

Here are a few photos I took while traveling to Tucson from ABQ. I took the scenic route, traveling seven hours on New Mexico's state highway system. I spent the night in Silver City, then drove on to Tucson.

(Hint: move your mouse over the picture to activate the control for pausing, forwarding, and reversing the slides.)

How about them Cowboys? Beating the Philadelphia Eagles is always a pleasure. Now the Pokes are in position to wrap up the NFC East if they'll take care of the Giants. Tony Romo's new contract for $67 million appears to be a good investment. He's playing really well.

I watched the game at a sports bar near the Parks Place Mall, east of downtown Tucson. The place is appropriately called "Touchdown Restaurant and Bar." I first ate lunch, however, at Marie Callender's Brunch buffet located next door. After lunch I made it to the Border's Bookstore at the mall to do some work prior to the game. I made it to Touchdowns Bar in the middle of the Patriots/Colts game. It appears the Patriots are heading for the Super Bowl to play against the Cowboys!