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The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation announced it applied to transfer property into trust in Pasco, Washington. In doing so, the tribe has taken its first step towards opening a tribal casino on its land.
However, the journey toward a tribal casino is a lengthy process. Applying to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is the first of a 16-step federal process for the tribe, one that began in 2019.
Washington Tribe already operates three casinos in the state
The tribe operates two other casinos in Washington under the “12 Tribes” brand at Lake Chelan, Omak and Coulee Dam. In 2022, the tribe partnered with IGT to help integrate sports betting at its casinos.
At the time, Kary Nichols, CEO of the Colville Tribal Federal Corporation, said after a thorough vetting process, the tribe was pleased to partner with IGT. “Thanks to IGT, we feel confident in our ability to provide our guests with an exciting and secure sports betting environment.”
The 12 Tribes Colville Casinos include:
- Lake Chelan Casino in Manson
- Omak Casino Hotel in Omak
- Coulee Dam Casino in Coulee Dam
The tribe is excited and ready for a lengthy approval process
Speaking with the Tri-City Herald, Jarred Michael Erickson, Colville Business Council Chairman, said the process could take three to five years.
In an NBC Right Now press release, Erickson said: “We’re pleased to announce this important milestone in our efforts to enhance economic development for the Colville Tribes.”
Plans include a tribal casino and travel center of 184 acres of land purchased by Colville for $2.9 million.
In a letter, Pasco Mayor Blanche Barajas reaffirmed the city’s support to help the tribe realize its vision.
“We enthusiastically support the Tribes’ Pasco Project and will continue to express that support whenever possible. We look forward to the success of the Tribes’ work to transfer its property here into trust status, the first step in making this exciting Project a reality.”
