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.
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)
$P 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)
Related Stories:
Editorial:
Washington doesn't need another off-reservation casino (07/09)
Spokane
Tribe partners with Hard Rock for off-reservation casino (6/29)
Spokane Tribe
faces another hurdle in off-reservation casino bid (6/17)
Spokane Tribe
finally wins BIA approval for off-reservation casino (6/16)
Spokane Tribe
still waiting on decision for off-reservation casino (6/12)