Most expect the 368,000-square-foot complex to have a major impact on regional tribal casinos and local card rooms. Our destination is expected to attract over 4.5 million visitors a year, and we feel certain that local businesses will benefit from increased visitation to the area.” $512 Million Casino Complex It gained approval for a casino in 2010, but a 7-year legal battle ensued to keep the casino from ever opening.Ĭhairman Iyall said, “ We are extremely pleased to open the doors to Ilani and provide the local community with a source for economic growth. The tribe first gained recognition by the US Department of the Interior in 2002. Bill Iyall, the chairman of the Cowlitz Tribe, expressed his joy to hear the good news. That allowed the tribe to go ahead with its grand opening this coming Friday. Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal filed by La Center card room owners, ending the long legal battle. After district and appellate court battles, the U.S. The poker rooms sued the Cowlitz Indian Tribe to keep the Ilani Casino from being opened. The opening comes after a hard-fought court battle waged by local card room owners.

The $510 million Ilani Casino Resort is ready to open on Friday, April 24 in Ridgefield, Washington, a town of 4,763 residents. Though located in the State of Washington, Ilani Casino is only 24 miles from Portland, Oregon.

Ilani casino opening day