The Washoe Tribe on May 26 opened the Wa She Shu Casino on Highway 395 just north of Gardnerville, Nevada.
The casino’s name means “The People’s Place” and is the result of an intertribal business relationship between the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Atmore, Alabama.
The joint economic venture is intended to boost tribal and local economies in Northern Nevada and nearby California.
“Opening a casino and partnering with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians is another step toward the Washoe Tribe’s long term goal of economic self-sufficiency,” Washoe Chairman Neil Mortimer said. “The partnership between our tribe and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama is the first of its kind.”
The 13,500-square-foot facility has a 4,600-square-foot gaming floor containing 130 state-of-the-art games. Visitors also can dine at the casino’s new restaurant, which seats 80 and includes a lounge.
The Wa She Shu Casino created about 70 new jobs, and another 4,000 square feet of vacant space is designated for future expansion of the gaming floor.
“We are excited about the partnership and pleased to create job opportunities for our tribal members, as well as local residents,” Mortimer said. “The Washoe Tribe is excited to partner with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and we are looking forward to increasing the gaming and dining experience in the Carson Valley for both residents and visitors.”
For the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, its partnership in the new Northern Nevada casino indicates the tribe’s efforts to improve its finances via tribal gaming is paying off.
“It wasn’t so long ago that we were building our first gaming facility in hopes that it would provide a brighter future for our people,” Poarch Band Chair and CEO Stephanie Bryan said.
“We believe that it is part of our obligation, as Indian people, to support others in their efforts to achieve financial security. We are thrilled that we can play a role in making sure that the Washoe Tribe can use its land to better the lives of their Tribal members,” Bryan said.
Gaming revenues will provide funding for essential services for Washoe tribal members, including infrastructure needs and healthcare. The complete project investment totaled an estimated $8 million.
The Wa She Shu Casino is adjacent to the Wa She Shu Travel Plaza, which the Washoe Tribe opened earlier this year in partnership with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
The Washoe Tribe says the casino offers a “hometown” atmosphere and 360-degree views of the nearby Sierra Mountains.
The casino also has designated lighted off-street parking areas for trucks and RVs.
