Last Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new 400 Horses Casino on the outskirts of Polson opened to the steady pulse of two drums, Yamncut and Chief Cliff, as Gene Sorrell – attired in an eagle-feather headdress – blessed the drummers and the celebration.

Members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council and other dignitaries were seated under a big tent on an open field west of Irvine Flats Road, along with tribal members, community leaders and the press. By next June, the grassy area will be home to a 35,000-square-foot gaming facility that will offer slot machines, table games, poker and sports betting.

“Today, as we break ground, we're not just building a structure,” said Bryon Miller, CEO of S&K Gaming. “We're building opportunity. We're building a stronger future.”

Troy Felsman, a member of the S&K Gaming board, said the casino’s name, 400 Horses, was inspired by Chief Alexander, one of the three chiefs who signed the Hellgate Treaty in 1855, and owned a large herd of horses. He also embodied the attributes of wisdom, bravery, oratory skills and humility that “were critical for the people.”

“A man like him should have been honored long ago, but I'm glad it's 2025 and he's finally getting the recognition he deserves,” Felsman said.

Dave Dean, vice chair of the Indian Gaming Commission, congratulated S&K Gaming and the Tribal Council on “collaborating together to take the casino operations to the next level.” He noted that the industry had grown by $1.5 billion in 2023, and has created more than 700,000 jobs nationwide.

“As I travel from reservation to reservation, we're seeing a lot of people come home for new job opportunities and to help advance their tribe further into the future,” he said. “As a result of Indian gaming, we're seeing revitalization of our communities.”

In his closing remarks, Miller reiterated the value of gaming as a means of ensuring economic self-sufficiency for the Tribes and caring for future generations.

The casino is expected to generate more than 75 jobs, and Miller predicted that it would also “create a ripple effect of economic benefits throughout the neighboring communities.”

The casino will occupy 79 acres of tribally-owned land that was annexed into the City of Polson in 2023. Upon completion next summer, it will house most of the gaming machines currently located at KwaTaqNuk Resort Casino, increasing the total count at 400 Horses Casino to more than 300 machines and allowing the Tribes to reorient the lakeshore hotel to a more family-friendly destination. 

A restaurant, visitor’s center and 300 parking places are part of the first phase, while future plans call for a hotel, events center and RV park. In addition to the casino at KwaTaqNuk, S&K Gaming also manages Gray Wolf Peak Casino in Evaro and Big Arm Resort and Casino north of Polson.

“Crucially, this project is guided by our mission to be responsible stewards to the community, passing along sound business practices and weaving together the lessons and traditions of our past,” Miller said. “We are committed to implementing responsible gambling practices and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all who visit the 400 Horses Casino.”

    Gene Sorrell, manager of S&K Gaming, blessed drum groups Yamncut and Chief Cliff during groundbreaking for the new 400 Horses Casino in Polson. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
  

    Drummer Donald Stanger and his daughter play the closing song during last week's groundbreaking for the new 400 Horses Casino. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)