Cowlitz Indian Tribe announces opening of Washington's long-awaited Ilani Casino Resort

The U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear a challenge to the development filed by card room owners in nearby La Center.

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe had to overcome numerous legal and regulatory hurdles on its years-long quest to erect the Ilani Casino Resort near La Center, Washington.

"We are extremely pleased to open the doors to Ilani and provide the local community with a source for economic growth," Cowlitz Tribe Chairman Bill Iyall said in the news release. "Our destination is expected to attract over 4.5 million visitors a year, and we feel certain that local businesses will benefit from increased visitation to the area."

The tribe sees the Ilani -- which means "sing" in the Cowlitz language -- as the key to reversing the fortunes of its 4,100 members, who are mostly scattered across western Washington. The 368,000-square-foot complex is projected to draw at least $200 million a year away from nearby card rooms, other tribal casinos and the Oregon Lottery.

Iyall has said the casino will bring 1,200 new jobs to the region. He also said that 2 percent of the facility's net revenues will be returned to the community through arts and education programs. Visitors will find 2,500 slot machines and 75 table games at the casino, located just west of I-5 at exit 16 in Washington.