In the “It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good” department is the Spokane Tribe of Washington, whose casino profits have increased during the time of the Covid pandemic.
The tribe has broken ground on a project that will double the size of its casino located near Airway Heights, and add 300 jobs.
Part of the reason is because while other businesses places that serve alcohol are subject to an 11 p.m. curfew ordered by Governor Jay Inslee, the tribal casino stays open until 3 a.m. Like all tribal casinos it lies on sovereign land beyond the governor’s regulatory grasp.
General Manager Javier De La Rosa told KREM2 News, that casino profits have increased 10 percent during the pandemic, which will fuel the new building that will include a new restaurant and a sports betting parlor. It will add 20,000 square feet of gaming.
The tribe has begun demolishing the casino’s east parking lot to make room for the expansion. Construction will begin late this year. Other additional amenities will be announced later this year.
The new construction is phase two of an economic development plan that will include a hotel, cultural center, entertainment center and retail shopping.
