Located in the aptly named unincorporated town of Why, Arizona, the Golden Ha:sañ Casino is great if you’re just passing through, on your way, perhaps, to the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument or to Mexico. This small casino is part of a roadside gas station and grill in the Sonora Desert and is owned by the Tohono O’odham Nation of Native Americans.
Open Monday through Thursday from 10AM to 12AM, and until 2AM on weekends, the Golden Ha:sañ Casino is the smallest casino in the Desert Diamond Casino family and offers visitors 40 gaming machines. Try video Slots, video Poker or play electronic Bingo. It’s a good way to win a little money for gas or, depending on your luck, a new car.
The nearest lodging to the Golden Ha:sañ Casino is the La Siesta Motel, a rustic-looking motel 12-miles away in Ajo, Arizona. Rooms start at $55 and there is an RV parking area with full electric, water and sewer hookups. Marine Motel – another roadside destination with 21 rooms, swimming pool, picnic tables and outdoor barbecues – is about 15-miles away.
For food, grab a sandwich or light grilled meal at Concessions, a grill off the casino floor. For road food, there’s a convenience store adjacent to the casino.
As far as leisure is concerned, options in Why are limited at best, though there is a 9-hole golf course where you can practice your swing. If you want to cool down, take a swim in the pool at the Marine Motel.
In terms of attractions in or near Why, there is the Cabeza Pricta Wildlife Reserve. Check into the visitor’s center to watch films and see the exhibits or get a map of the park and start exploring. Nature enthusiasts will surely have fun here, as there are countless opportunities for hiking, photography, camping and wildlife observation. Also nearby is the city of Ajo, which reportedly has one of the best Chinese restaurants in Arizona – Bamboo Village.
To find the Golden Ha:sañ Casino, fly into Sky Harbor International Airport and take a 2-hour drive to Golden Ha:sañ Casino, Highway 86, Mile Post 55, Why, Arizona, 85321.
