Cowlitz Tribe secures approval to offer liquor as casino debut nears

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

The ilani Casino Resort in Washington is due to open in late April, according to the Cowlitz Tribe. Photo: Construction Feed

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UPDATE: The Cowlitz Tribe expects to open its long-awaited casino in late April. The previously reported opening date of April 17 is no longer solid.

All the pieces are falling into place as the Cowlitz Tribe prepares to open a long-awaited casino in Washington.

The tribe will be able to offer liquor at the ilani Casino Resort through an ordinance that was approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. A notice of the decision will be published in the Federal Register on Thursday.

"Enactment of this ordinance will help provide a source of revenue to strengthen tribal government, provide for the economic viability of tribal enterprises, and improve delivery of tribal government services," the document reads.

The tribe plans to open ilani in late April. The 368,000 square-foot facility features restaurants and bars, in addition to gaming machines and table games.

Forthcoming Federal Register Notice:
Cowlitz Indian Tribe Liquor Ordinance (To Be Published March 23, 2017)

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