In the final days prior to the formal opening of Washington State’s newest casino, Ilani, the US Supreme Court refused to hear opponents’ appeals of the previous U.S. District Court and U.S. Court of Appeals rulings. Challengers to the casino have now exhausted all legal avenues, and Cowlitz Chairman Bill Iyall stated his delight after today’s decision on social media.
The soon-to-open $510 million Ilani Casino Resort has a total of 368,000 square feet, includes 100,000 square feet of gaming space, and will feature 2,500 slots with an additional 60 high-limit slots.
Scientific Games [NASDAQ: SGMS], manufacturer of popular WA State progressive slots such as Copper Dropper, 88 Fortunes, and Quick Hit, won the competitive bid to be Ilani’s principal casino technology partner, and will provide the resort with a full array of technology solutions. The Scientific Games suite of slot brands includes Bally and WMS, and together will take a 57% floor share.
In addition to Ilani’s 2560 slots, the casino will also feature 80 gaming tables (with an additional five high-limit tables), and will include 12 baccarat tables. The new Cowlitz Casino Resort will be the only casino within 100 miles to include and feature the baccarat table game.
Recently announced restaurants will include a Michael Jordon Steak House, a Line & Lure Seafood Kitchen and Tap, plus a Long House Sushi and Noodle Shoppe. A buffet, so popular with the patrons of Washington and Oregon casinos, has not been formally announced for Ilani.
The Ilani Casino and Resort is located just north of the border between Washington and Oregon along the I-5 corridor at mileage marker exit 16 in Ridgefield. The $32 million Interstate 5 interchange is complete, and was officially opened today, will allow for easier on-ramp and off-ramp access to Ilani’s 150+ acre campus.
The long-rumored April 17th Ilani opening date has not been officially confirmed.