Two Washington tribes compete to open first tribal casino in Tri-Cities

Two tribes in Washington are competing to bring the state's $3.1 billion tribal gaming industry to the Tri-Cities. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation took the lead in 2019 when they bought land in Pasco and disclosed plans for a casino, travel plaza, and possibly a water park.

However, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation recently revived objections to the Colville plan on treaty grounds while disclosing that they, too, intend to site their second casino in the Tri-Cities. The tribe is actively scouting suitable locations in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, according to the Tri-City Herald.

Both tribes claim the Pasco area through the Palouse Tribe, with the Yakama noting that the Palouse were signatories to its 1855 treaty with the U.S. government. It says the Colville don't have rights to the territory the Yakama ceded in the treaty. "Because Colville's rights don't extend to Pasco, this means they do not have the tribal right to open a casino in Pasco, and they never will," said Gerald Lewis, chair of the Yakama Nation.

Gerard Lewis, Chair of the Yakama Nation

The Colville recently confirmed they initiated the development process by submitting a request to transfer 184 acres near Pasco's King City Truck Stop into a federal trust. Lewis deemed this move "upsetting." The 16-step federal procedure is managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and handled through the Indian Gaming Commission.

There are reportedly 474 tribal casinos in 29 states. Washington has 29, which are operated by 22 tribes. They are generally concentrated in Western Washington and around Spokane and points north.

The stakes are high, with tribal gaming netting $3.1 billion last year, according to figures compiled for the 2023 Legislature by the Washington State Gambling Commission.

Wildhorse Casino and Resort in Pendleton and Legends Casino & Hotel in Toppenish

The Tri-Cities currently has no tribal casinos, with the two nearest being Wildhorse Casino and Resort in Pendleton and Legends Casino & Hotel in Toppenish, both more than an hour's drive from Kennewick.

Casino revenue is important to both tribes, with the Colville explaining that the Pasco casino will provide support services to its 9,500 members. Meanwhile, the Yakama note that up to 80% of the nearly 11,000 enrolled members work for or are related to someone who works at Legends, which hosts gaming, concerts, boxing matches, and has a hotel.

Governor Jay Inslee will be out of office by the time the Colville request is processed, but Democrats have been supportive of tribal casinos in the past. Casinos generate jobs, with approximately 9,600 people currently certified and/or licensed to work in casinos in Washington, according to the gambling commission.