Arizona Charlie's East ready for expansion

Only one year down and Arizona Charlie's East is already poised for expansion. Site Director of Operations Mark Majetich announced plans to expand casino gaming space and add a bingo hall. His comments were made during a first anniversary celebration held May 23.

Majetich said within the next few months construction should begin on an approximately 25,000 square foot casino addition to the main complex. Part of that new space will provide 5,000 square feet for additional slot machines. Other space plans include adding racing to the sports book and expanding the pit area to include more table games.

On the second floor near the facility's steak house, The Yukon Grille, Majetich said there are plans to put in a new 800,000 square foot, 500-seat bingo parlor. While bingo is a 24-hour-a-day staple at Arizona Charlie's West, the East property was opened without bingo. Majetich said once the bingo hall is complete, they plan to offer 24-hour sessions, becoming the first along the Boulder Strip to do so.

"I don't look forward to the construction, no one likes that, but I do look forward to the completion," Majetich said.

Other lines on Majetich's wish list include a possible remodel of the hotel section of the site. While Arizona Charlie's has been in the house for a year now, the main hotel, under the name Sunrise Suites, is around 8 years old. Visitors can also look forward to possible upgrades in the RV Park.

Majetich said the casino's market is about 70 percent locals and 30 percent tourists. While he hopes upgrades to rooms and RV sites will insure high tourist occupancy rates, Majetich is happy to serve those who call the valley home.

"We're a locals casino and that's right where we want to be," he said.

Majetich was made director of operations at the at the Boulder Strip site in January. He said the progress he's seen in just four short months has been encouraging.

"We've taken a hard look at our assets and the opportunities here. We're forming a strong marketing plan around that and we're beginning to see the benefits," he said.

A former Excalibur executive, Majetich likes the cozy, personal feel at his new job. To go from a casino on one of the busiest four corners of the Las Vegas Strip to a smaller venue like Arizona Charlie's East has been what the director calls "a breath of fresh air."

"Being here has been fun and challenging. I'm pleased with the progress in just a year, but we still have a long way to go. We plan to be a major player on the Boulder Strip for a long, long time. We're a well-kept secret, but we don't want to keep it a secret. We're only going to get better."