Spokane Tribe claims drop in revenue due to Kalispel casino

Friday, March 30, 2012  

The Spokane Tribe saw a big drop in gaming revenues after the Kalispel Tribe opened an off-reservation casino, a Spokane leader said.

The Spokane Tribe operates the Two Rivers Casino and Resort on its reservation. Vice chairman Michael Spencer said revenues dropped from $30 million a year to under $5 million after the Kalispel Tribe opened the Northern Quest Resort and Casino.

Northern Quest is located in Airway Heights, where the Spokanes want to open an off-reservation casino. The Kalispels are concerned that their revenues will take a dip if the project is approved.

The Spokane Tribe is seeking approval for the West Plains Mixed-Use Development under the two-part determination section of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Since 1988, only three tribes have opened off-reservation casinos under the two-part determination -- one was the Kalispel Tribe.

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