The Cowlitz Tribe in Southwest Washington has been given government approval to conduct gambling, it was announced this week. The tribe was given the okay to acquire 152 acres of land in trust and this decision by the Department of Interior will allow the tribe to conduct Class II gaming in the form of slot machines, card games such as poker and blackjack, and dog and horse racing.
The Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, Larry Echo Hawk, said: “This project will allow the Cowlitz Tribe to create hundreds of jobs and invest in other forms of economic development. It will also allow the tribe to begin the restoration of its homelands.”
While the Cowlitz Tribe was naturally thrilled with the most momentous decision of its history by the government since it was recognized as a tribe in 2000, not everyone shared their opinion. Gambling foes across the state have expressed their disapproval.
The tribe plans to construct a giant 135,000 square foot casino near La Center and it will be closest casino near the Portland area. If construction plans go smoothly, the casino could be operating within three years.
The casino will also pose a direct threat to the Grand Ronde Tribe’s casino, Spirit Mountain in Oregon. “It would clearly mean a significant economic impact for us and for Oregon,” said a spokesman for the tribe, Justin Martin.
The Grande Ronde argue that the Cowlitz do not have the legal authority to operate a casino, stating that any tribes recognized after 1934 are not allowed to take land out of trust. However, the Cowlitz replied by saying: “Obviously the federal government didn’t think that’s the case or they wouldn’t have issued the decision.”
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