A highly anticipated project officially kicked off with the groundbreaking of the 400 Horses Casino in Polson, Montana. S&K Gaming, in collaboration with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), celebrated the start of construction on the state-of-the-art casino, which will be located off Highway 83 on Irvine Flats Road, west of Polson. The 35,000-square-foot facility, named after Chief Alexander of the Pend d’Oreille Tribe—who famously owned the largest herd of horses in the region—honors the heritage and resilience of the local tribes, particularly the history surrounding the 1855 Hellgate Treaty.

Significance of the project for the community:

The new casino is expected to serve as an economic engine for the Flathead Lake region. Bryon Miller, CEO of S&K Gaming, emphasized the wide-reaching economic impact the facility will have. “Beyond direct employment, the 400 Horses Casino will create a ripple effect of economic benefits throughout the neighboring communities,” he stated. The development is poised to stimulate entrepreneurship and foster a more dynamic economic environment, benefiting not just those directly employed but also local businesses and residents.

Once fully operational, the casino will provide approximately 75 new jobs, a significant boost to the local job market. This addition will complement the existing jobs at the Kwataqnuk property, with the hope that the casino’s success will further enhance the community’s economic vitality.

The groundbreaking of the 400 Horses Casino is just the first step in a broader vision for economic growth in the region. While the casino is set to open in phases, with a soft opening slated for June 2026, future plans include the development of an event center and a hotel, enhancing the site’s potential to attract tourists and visitors. These expansions will be integral to establishing the casino as a key destination in the area, not only for gaming but also for events and accommodations.

The casino’s success will also benefit the tribes directly. Revenue generated by the casino is expected to be reinvested into various tribal programs and services, including healthcare, education, housing, and cultural preservation. As Miller explained, the revenue will support tribal government operations and contribute to the overall welfare of tribal members. “This will enable us to reinvest within our success of existing opportunities,” he noted, highlighting the long-term sustainability of the project.

Impact on tribal sovereignty and community revitalization:

David Bean, a representative from the Indian Gaming Commission, echoed the positive impact of the casino, noting that Indian gaming continues to contribute to the revitalization of tribal communities. The 400 Horses Casino, like other successful gaming ventures, will provide crucial funding for the tribes and help address ongoing challenges in the region. “As a result of Indian gaming, we’re seeing revitalization of our communities,” Bean remarked, as reported by NBC Montana, emphasizing the importance of such developments for the future of Native American tribes.

Miller also stressed the role of the casino in furthering the sovereignty and resilience of the tribes. “We’re not only initiating a construction project, but we’re laying the foundation for a brighter future, a future rooted in our sovereignty, our resilience, and on our unwavering commitment to our shareholders,” he said, underscoring the deeper significance of the project beyond its economic impact.

With the groundbreaking ceremony now complete, the focus shifts to the construction process, with the goal of having the 400 Horses Casino operational by mid-2026. As work progresses, the casino will create new job opportunities, provide a boost to local businesses, and enhance the region’s economic stability. S&K Gaming’s plans for the casino, along with the additional phases of the project, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the future growth of Polson and the surrounding areas.