The Nisqually Tribe has acquired 250 acres surrounding the Cabela's retailer in Lacey, Washington. Image: Google Earth

Nisqually Tribe talks to local officials about off-reservation gaming facility

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

The Nisqually Tribe is interested in opening an off-reservation gaming facility in Washington, The Olympian reports.

Discussions are still in the early stages, the tribe's chief executive officer told the paper. But officials in Thurston County indicate a casino, convention center, hotel and concert venue are on the table in the city of Lacey.

“We see the benefit of bringing thousands of people to the area,” Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder told the paper.

The development would occur on a 250-acre property known as the Lacey Gateway. The tribe and a partner recently acquired the site, which is located along a major interstate between Tacoma and Olympia, the state capital, and near several major retailers.

Generally, land acquired after 1988 cannot be used for gaming. Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act contains several exceptions but it's not clear whether the tribe would seek to qualify for any of them.

The tribe could also pursue the casino under the two-part determination provisions of IGRA. The process requires approval by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as well as the state governor.

In the history of IGRA, only four tribes have opened casinos after completing both steps of the process. The Spokane Tribe is about to become the fifth, provided that litigation doesn't derail the debut of its facility in Washington later this year.

The Nisqually Tribe operates the Red Wind Casino about 9 miles from the site in Lacey.