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Washington Tribe Big on Casino Complex

"The Puyallups' ambitious plans are putting competitors on notice that the most lucrative tribal casinos in Washington are moving up to the next level: large, Las Vegas-like resorts with gambling, lodging, restaurants and live entertainment.

"Indeed, tribal casinos are heading into another round of expansion, with at least two other tribes contemplating additional casinos and others thinking about expanding their existing facilities, those in the industry say.

"Operators of nontribal card rooms, or `minicasinos,' are feeling the competition. They will put even more pressure on state lawmakers to expand their gambling offerings in a furious bid to keep pace with tribal casinos.

"…But the tribes believe they have finally found an economic-development strategy that creates lasting jobs and generates wealth in Indian Country, which has some of the nation's poorest communities.

"…The Puyallups are certainly thinking big. The tribe wants to build a complex with a man-made lake, a 250-room hotel, five restaurants and a 3,500-seat performance stage, among other things. But the centerpiece is a 94,500-square-foot casino on the scale of gambling establishments in Reno.

"… Puyallups are participating in a larger trend. Nationwide, many tribes in close proximity to major metropolitan areas are building Las Vegas-style casino resorts. One of the oldest is Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, which the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation started as a bingo hall in 1986.

"…Washington, the Puyallups' proposal has signaled another round of expansion for tribal casinos, especially gaming operations that are close to the state's population centers…"

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