There were a few recent post about the Matazal Casino in Payson,
AZ on the Harrah's group page. I mentioned that I would post my
thoughts about Matazal on this venue since it is not a Harrah's
Casino.
Matazal is a small Indian Casino and is about 90 minutes
from Phoenix and in a resort area of Arizona. Because of limited
road access, it is about 2 hours from my home in the Phoenix area.
There are many second homes in the area because of its slightly
cooler summer weather due to higher elevation.
Matazal has some playable video poker at different denominations,
including at the bar tops. I should say at "the bar top". I believe
it also offers a decent blackjack game. I think they do not hit
a soft 17. However, the casino is very small and can be smokey!
There is only one restaurant and does not offer a buffet. Of
course there are numerous other eating opportunities in the Payson
area.
It has recently added a small hotel. It should open soon, like
this August! I was told all rooms will be "suites", but limited to
on about 40 rooms! Overall, Matazal probably offers the most full
pay video poker of any Arizona casino. Its location is a little
out of the way. There is really only three roads entering Payson.
One each from the north, east and south. Because of forest and
terrain,
there is no access from the west. Anyone can use a map program to
see the problem.
Overall, I think it is one of the better gaming opportunity
for Indian Casinos in Arizona and the last time I was there they
were talking about addition expansion once the small adjacent hotel
opens (soon). I have only been there twice and the most recent
visit was near my birthday this June. Their slot club sent me a
little Happy Birthday free play! Maybe some other members for
additional information about this little Arizona Indian casino.
Thanks,
Bob