Winkelman is home to a wide variety of dazzling architectural displays. Patriotism Abounds Here in Winkelman we're blessed to have a truly diverse range of wildlife. The casino was built on the edge of the reservation near the hamlet of Maricopa to take advantage of the emerging business of Native American gambling in Arizona. Fast-forward 25 years. The once-lonely casino is bigger, and it’s surrounded by a parking garage and a resort hotel with restaurants, a spa and a concert venue. Location Apache Sky Casino is an hour's drive from Phoenix and from Tucson. It is just south of Mile Marker 127 on Highway 77 in Winkelman, Arizona.

Leaders from the San Carlos Apache and surrounding communities officially break ground on the casino planned near Dudleyville, AZ. It should be open in June.

What has long been a rumor and plans will soon become a reality.

On Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, the San Carlos Apache tribe held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new Apache Sky Casino. The casino will be located off of Hwy. 77 between Central Arizona College and Dudleyville on reservation land. The casino has been a long time in coming and local communities and the San Carlos Apaches are looking forward to the economic benefits it brings to the area.

Harold Kenton, an Apache singer, spoke about his grandfather being from Aravaipa. He sang a “prayer song” and provided the blessing.

Gary Murrey, CEO for Apache Gold gave a brief update on the casino project. The plans call for a temporary casino that will have 375 slots and four gaming tables. Construction will start in three weeks and the temporary casino is expected to be in place in June. The construction will provide 100 jobs. The temporary casino will mean employment for 200 people and when the permanent casino project is completed there will be 400 jobs. It is expected to be the “anchor” for other businesses that will provide services for people that come to the area.

Terry Rambler, Chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council, spoke about “developing a community” and “working together with our neighbors to make things better for our children and grandchildren.” He talked about partnering with Central Arizona College Aravaipa campus to create a gaming curriculum to train workers for the gaming and hotel industry.

“It is a great day for all of us,” he added.

John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.

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