Spokane Tribe Casino timeline

February 2006: Spokane Tribe submits request to Bureau of Indian Affairs, asking for determination of whether 145 acres in Airway Heights are suitable for an off-reservation gaming complex.

January 2012: Draft environmental impact statement released for the casino project, looking at potential impacts to surrounding area, including Fairchild Air Force Base.

January 2013: Final environmental impact statement released.

June 2015: After nine years of study, Interior Department rules casino complex plans are in the Spokane Tribe’s best interest and not detrimental to the community.

June 2016: Gov. Jay Inslee gives state approval for casino complex to proceed.

November 2016: Spokane Tribe breaks ground for the $40 million first phase of the casino complex.

April, June 2017: Spokane County sues the Department of Interior and Bureau of Indian Affairs in June, seeking to rescind gaming at the site. The Kalispel Tribe filed a suit in April.

January 2018: Spokane Tribe Casino opens.