Spokane Tribe remains hopeful over off-reservation casino plan

Monday, November 29, 2010  

The Spokane Tribe hopes to make history by opening the second off-reservation casino in Washington.

The tribe wants to build a casino, hotel and other properties in Airway Heights. The facility will provide jobs and revenues for tribal members, Chairman Greg Abrahamson said.

> "We want to go back into taking care of the health and welfare of our people," Abrahamson told the Associated Press.

But the project faces opposition from the Kalispel Tribe, which operates a successful off-reservation casino in Airway Heights. The tribe fears a drop in revenues if the Spokanes succeed.

"It would be a competing business," Nick Pierre, the director of the Kalispel Tribal Gaming Agency, told the AP.

It took the Kalipsels seven years to gain federal and state approval for their casino. The Spokanes expect word next year from the federal government but Gov. Chris Gregoire (D) hasn't taken a position on the project.

Get the Story:
Tribes at odds in competing casino plan (AP 11/27)

Relevant Documents:
APPROVED GAMING ACQUISITIONS SINCE ENACTMENT OF IGRA OCTOBER 17, 1988 (June 28, 2010)

Related Stories:
Spokane Tribe moves ahead with off-reservation casino project (11/19)