Gaming News

Hundreds pack into new Montana casino

MONTANA – As reported by the Great Falls Tribune: "Bingo, keno, roulette, poker — Ty Watson likes them all. While he's never hit the high-rollers table at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Wednesday he caught a glimmer of big-city lights.

"…Considering what was once the vast Nevada desert is now a tourist destination, the Chippewa Cree Tribe figures building the Northern Winz Casino on an isolated stretch of U.S. Highway 87 is worth the gamble.

"…Tribal members got their first peek at the 20,000-square-foot casino Wednesday.

"Unlike the Glacier Peaks Casino in Browning, the Chippewa Cree have an agreement with the state, so they have both the slot-style and typical poker and keno machines, like those at Great Falls casinos.

"The building can hold 900 people and an hour after the official opening, casino Manager Jim Rider figured it had reached the limit.

"…The casino will spend the next month working out the kinks in the machines and giving employees time to adjust to the crowds. A more extravagant grand-opening ceremony is planned for March 30-31.

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