Spokane Tribe welcomes big crowds to long-awaited casino in Washington

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

It took more than 10 years but the Spokane Tribe finally opened a new casino in Washington.

The Spokane Tribe Casino hosted large crowds in Airway Heights on Monday evening. The 38,000 square-foot facility features 450 slot machines, 12 gaming tables, a restaurant and a bar.

“It’s been a lengthy process, but our tribe has been here forever,” Chairwoman Carol Evans told The Spokesman-Review. “We have always been a people of strong will. We are always people who will stand up for our rights. We always knew that we would prevail.”

We are officially open! Please enjoy this live video of our ribbon cutting and ceremony.
Posted by Spokane Tribe Casino on Monday, January 8, 2018

Spokane Tribe Casino on Facebook: 'We are officially open!'

The tribe pursued the Spokane Tribe Economic Project under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as well as the state governor, was required because the site had been placed in trust after 1988.

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, sued the federal government in hopes of derailing the new project but no decisions have been issued in the case.

The Spokane Tribe plans to add a hotel, a convention center and other developments to the site.

Read More on the Story:
Spokane Tribe Casino opens to much fanfare on Monday evening (The Spokesman-Review January 9, 2018)
Spokane Tribe Casino in Airway Heights to open Monday (KREM January 8, 2018)
Spokane Tribe betting on new casino that opens Monday (The Spokesman-Review January 7, 2018)
Spokane Tribe Casino set to open Monday (KXLY January 5, 2018)

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)