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Destination resort casinos are currently experiencing a recession, but many local native casinos continue to do well. In the western state, at least four tribal-run casinos opened in November, and another will open in December.

The most historic casino opening is the Navajo Nation's first foray into casino gambling, along with Fire Rock Casino in Church Rock, New Mexico, which opened on Nov. 19. The Navajo tribe had many difficulties in the opening process, but they weathered the storm and officials smiled brightly at the huge turnout for the grand opening.

The casino has 472 slot machines, a bingo hall, a blackjack and five poker tables with native dealers, and the casino has 272 employees, 92% of whom are from Navajo. Fire Rock Casino expects to reach up to $35 million in revenue for Navajo Nation.

Snoqualmie Casino opened earlier this month near North Bend, Washington, providing more than 1,000 new jobs. The project costs $375 million and the 170,000-square-foot facility has a non-smoking poker room with 1,700 slot machines, eight tables and 50 game tables. The complex also features luxury facilities, including a cigar lounge complete with large humidifiers, a celebrity program like Jessica Simpson in the Grand Ballroom, and five restaurants.

The Lone Burt Casino in the Gila River Indian Community opened with a ritual dance on Nov. 20. It is the third casino of the Indian tribe, offering more than 700 new jobs in the area. The 120,000 sq ft gaming hall features 850 slot machines, 24 blackjack tables, a bingo hall, and a separate, high-limited gaming room. Other amenities include an outdoor courtyard, an entertainment area, and six restaurants along with a full service bar.


On the night of Nov. 10, the opening day of the Cherokee Casino Resort in West Siloam Springs, OK awarded a whopping $40,000 to a local visitor. Let's talk about a good start! The new complex offers more than 200,000 square feet of gaming space, totaling 12,000 games. The gaming facility was just the first stage of the complex, and later a large food court and multi-story hotel were added that served various kinds of food. When completed, the complex will have more than 1,000 employees.

Sky Ute Casino Resort and Conference Center opened quietly on Nov. 18 and had a grand opening weekend from Nov. 28-30. Located at the foot of the San Juan Mountains, the casino features 540 slot machines, 12 table games, and a bingo hall. Other amenities designed for the whole family to enjoy include a spa/salon, an 18-hole mini golf course, a 24-site RV park, and a 24-lane bowling center. For a family-friendly theme, all parts of the resort are accessible through outside entrances and exits, without the need for parents to bring their children through the game courts.

On Dec. 17, the Red Hawk Casino will open 30 minutes east of Sacramento, California. The casino will provide about 2,000 jobs in the area. It will have facilities including 2,000 slot machines, 75 table games, six restaurants, four bars, and a gift shop. The casino will feature smoking cessation games and meals in a step.