Business Deals | Casino Stalker

Spokane Tribe partners with Hard Rock for off-reservation casino

Monday, June 29, 2015

Spokane Tribe Chairman Randy Peone. Photo from Spokane Tribe Economic Project / Facebook

The Spokane Tribe is bringing in a big name for its off-reservation casino in Washington.

The casino at the 145-acre West Plains Mixed-Use Development in Airway Heights will carry the Hard Rock name. The tribe signed a letter of intent for the $400 million project.

“We believe the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino would offer a unique experience, providing entertainment, dining and retail for local residents and tourists," Chairman Rudy Peone said in a press release.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida owns the Hard Rock brand. The Spokane Tribe's deal, however, is with the Las Vegas-based holder of the rights to the name in certain geographic areas.

Artist's rendering of the Spokane Tribe's proposed off-reservation casino in Airway Heights, Washington. Image from STEP

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the casino under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The law gives Gov. Jay Inslee (D) veto authority over the casino portion of the Spokane Tribe Economic Project.

Since IGRA became law in 1988, only three tribes have completed both steps of the two-part determination process. One is the Kalispel Tribe, whose Northern Quest Resort and Casino is less than three miles from the Spokane site. The Kalispels oppose the new facility.

Get the Story:
Spokane Tribe signs deal with Hard Rock (The Spokesman-Review 6/29)

Relevant Documents:
BIA Two-Part Determination Letter (June 15, 2015)

Federal Register Notice:
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Spokane Tribe of Indians West Plains Casino and Mixed Use Project, City of Airway Heights, Spokane County, WA (February 1, 2013)