Washington: Tribal casinos close

Tribes across the state have taken the decision to shut their gambling properties to help combat Covid-19.

US.- Indian tribal casinos in Washington are temporarily closing their doors as port of measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus.

As sovereign nations, the tribes are not bound by the orders of Governor Jay Inslee, who has shut down schools, bars and restaurants in the state and limited public gatherings.

The tribal casino closures will have a huge impact as many help to fund tribal government operations while also employing hundreds and even thousands of workers.

The Kalispel Tribe of Indians announced this week that its Northern Quest casino in the Spokane suburb of Airway Heights will be closed for two weeks. The Spokane Tribe also closed its casino in Airway Heights.

Meanwhile, The Seattle Times is reporting that the Suquamish, Puyallup, Tulalip, Muckleshoot, Lummi, Cowlitz and Jamestown S’Klallam tribes are temporarily shutting down their casinos.

The Yakama Nation is also closing its casino in Toppenish.