Wildhorse Resort Casino Resort in Oregon Unveils $100 Million Expansion

Exciting developments are underway at the Wildhorse Casino Resort, located in Eastern Oregon. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation has announced a significant investment plan, set to enhance the gaming and hospitality experience at the resort with a project worth $100 million.

Key Features of the Expansion

• **Construction of a New Hotel Tower**: A 10-story, 214-room hotel tower will elevate the accommodation offerings, making it a premier destination for visitors.
• **Convention and Event Center**: A newly designed convention and event centre, covering 15,000 square feet, will facilitate large events, conferences, and special occasions.
• **Updated Dining Facilities**: The project will also include a modern banquet kitchen and a new restaurant aimed at providing diverse culinary options.

According to Gary George, CEO of Wildhorse Resort & Casino, “We want to create more memorable experiences through forward-thinking investments in areas that impact our guests as soon as they walk in our doors. A consistent, high-quality casino experience is the difference for consumers and the region.” Once the expansion is complete, the Wildhorse Resort will offer more than 400 guest rooms, and the event centre will have a capacity of 1,500 guests for live performances.

History of the Wildhorse Resort

The Umatilla Indian Tribe has continuously reinvested in the Wildhorse Resort since its inception in 1999. This latest $100 million investment marks the largest upgrade since the completion of the original $45 million hotel back in 2011.

Gaming Options at Wildhorse

The Wildhorse Resort & Casino currently features:

• 1,100 slot machines
• 14 table games, including classic offerings like blackjack and poker
• Live keno and bingo games

While sports betting remains a consideration, the Umatilla Tribe has opted not to pursue it at this stage.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Beyond the gaming floor, Wildhorse offers a range of family-friendly attractions:

• **Family FunPlex**: Featuring a 24-lane bowling alley and a 30-game arcade.
• **Cinema**: A five-screen movie theatre showing the latest blockbusters.
• **Food Options**: From ice cream to burgers and even pho in their four-eatery food court.
• **Golf Course**: An 18-hole golf course complements the resort, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

Oregon’s Tribal Gaming Landscape

Oregon hosts nine federally recognized tribes, most of which operate casinos. The only exception, the Burns Paiute Tribe, closed their casino in 2012. Notably, the Umatilla Tribe allocates up to 6% of the gross gaming revenue from slot machines and table games to the Wildhorse Foundation, which offers grants to various nonprofit organisations.

The state’s gaming compacts mandate that tribal gaming facilities cover the reasonable costs of necessary street and roadway improvements associated with their operations. This ensures that the development contributes positively to the local community.

Conclusion

The $100 million expansion of Wildhorse Resort & Casino reflects the Umatilla Tribe’s commitment to enhancing the gaming experience while contributing to the local economy. With cutting-edge facilities and family-friendly attractions, this expansion is sure to bolster the resort’s status as a prime destination in Oregon.