Spokane Tribe readies January 2018 opening for new casino in Washington

Thursday, December 21, 2017

The Spokane Tribe plans to open a gaming facility in Airway Heights, Washington, on January 8, 2018. Photo: STEP - Spokane Tribe Economic Project

The Spokane Tribe will open its long-awaited casino in Washington on January 8, 2018.

The Spokane Tribe Casino is located in Airway Heights. The facility, which is expected to grow in the coming years, will feature 450 slot machines, 12 table games, a restaurant and bar, a deli and a gaming floor bar, according to news reports.

“Many supporters of the Spokane Tribe Economic Project helped with our efforts to make the casino become a reality, and we are grateful to share this celebration with them,” Chairwoman Carol Evans said in a press release quoted by The Spokesman-Review.

It took the tribe over 10 years to win final approval for the Spokane Tribe Economic Project. Approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as well as the state governor, was needed because the 145-acre site had been acquired after the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988.

It’s time.....Spokane Tribe Casino will open January 8 at 7pm. Thank you to everyone for your continued support, we are so blessed.
Posted by Spokane Tribe Casino on Wednesday, December 20, 2017

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The Spokanes are among a small number of tribes to have completed both steps of the two-part determination process of IGRA. One of the first was the Kalispel Tribe, whose leaders operate the Northern Quest Resort and Casino at a site in Airway Heights less than three miles away.

The Kalispels, along with Spokane County, are suing the federal government in hopes of derailing the new development but litigation does not appear to have advanced to a decision phase. The Spokane Tribe has intervened as a defendant.

Read More on the Story:
Spokane Tribe announces opening date for Airway Heights casino (The Spokesman-Review December 20, 2017)
Spokane Tribe opening new casino on January 8; Job openings still available (KHQ December 20, 2017)
Spokane Tribe Casino announces opening date (KREM December 20, 2017)
Spokane Tribe Casino prepares for official opening (KXLY December 20, 2017)

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)