After opening with a big Vegas-like splash, the Blackfeet Nation of Montana has hit some stumbling blocks with its $7 million casino.

Since late September, the Glacier Peaks Casino has made across-the-board salary cuts, laid off some employees, obtained a short-term loan and has missed some vendor payments. But tribal officials say that's to be expected with any startup venture.

"We've got to realize it's not an overnight success," Roger Running Crane, a tribal council member told The Great Falls Tribune. "We're experiencing growing pains as we go along."

Despite the hurdles, everyone believes the 33,000-square-foot casino will succeed. The facility is located near the Glacier National Park, which draws upwards of 2 million visitors a year, mainly during the summer months.

Get the Story:
Blackfeet upbeat despite slow start (The Great Falls Tribune 1/7)
Manager of Blackfeet casino followed colorful path to Browning (The Great Falls Tribune 1/8)