Kalispel Tribe sees golf course purchase as way to boost casino

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

The Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Airway Heights, Washington. Photo from Hnedak Bobo Group / Archinect

The Kalispel Tribe of Washington is looking to keep its casino competitive.

The tribe put in a $3 million bid for the Spokane Country Club in Spokane. The facility would function as another amenity for patrons and guests of the Northern Quest Resort and Casino in nearby Airway Heights.

The acquisition would give the Kalispels a leg up on the Spokane Tribe, whose proposed off-reservation casino gained Bureau of Indian Affairs in June. The 145-acre West Plains Mixed-Use Development includes hotel and retail options but not a golf course.

The final decision on the Spokane casino rests with Gov. Jay Inslee (D). He has veto authority under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

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

Since IGRA became law in 1988, only three tribes have opened casinos under the two-part determination process. The Kalispel Tribe is one of them.

Northern Quest is less than three miles from the Spokane site. The Kalispels oppose the new development.

The Spokane Country Club declared bankruptcy after losing a gender discrimination suit. Four groups have bid on the business -- the Kalispel Tribe was chosen as the second preferred option by members, The Spokesman-Review reported.

Get the Story:
Kalispels bid for Spokane Country Club (The Spokesman-Review 8/1)
Spokane Country Club could be headed for sale (The Spokesman-Review 4/26)

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)