The Cowlitz Indian Tribe of Washington state and their development partners Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment are planning a major upgrade and expansion of the ilani Casino Resort that opened in April 2017.
They broke ground in October and expect to be completed by early 2021.
The tribes are also collaborating in a master plan of the Cowlitz reservation, that will include new non-gaming revenue generators along with a parking garage, meeting center and convenience store.
The casino will be adding a 14-story, 300-room glass hotel tower.
Kara Fox-LaRose, general manager and president of ilani, commented, “We have been steadfast in our efforts to bring forward a business model that complements our region and provides an unmatched experience for our guests.”
She added, “Our business has grown incrementally since opening just over three years ago, and our new parking garage, expanded gaming space and additional restaurants provide increased opportunities to ensure the sustainability of our business and will continue to contribute to the economic vitality of our Tribe and the area. The addition of a hotel will allow us to bring more visitation to our region, and we are looking forward to the stabilization of our economy so we can begin construction. In the meantime, we will advance the design with the Cowlitz Tribe to ensure its elements properly represent the tribe’s heritage and meet the needs of our guests.”
For MGE, this expansion is part of the company’s worldwide expansion that includes an integrated resort in South Korea. CEO and President Mario Kontomerkos commented, “On the heels of combatting many challenges this year, we are thrilled to announce the expansion and growth of ilani, bringing a wealth of new amenities and entertainment options for future guests.”
MGE is also working near Athens, Greece on a $9.47 billion development of the abandoned Hellenikon International Airport, which Kontomerkos claims will increase tourism by as much as 10 percent annually. It will also create 7,000 jobs and tens of millions of Euros in taxes. This is a joint effort between MGE and the Greek real estate and construction company GEK Terna.
No start date for construction has yet been established. The company is being held up by the licensing process. So the casino may not open before the end of 2024.
Kontomerkos said in May, “Mohegan Gaming Entertainment is fully committed to turning Greece into a top destination for entertainment and business conferences in Europe.”
