Chehalis Casino Is Planned

OLYMPIA - The Chehalis Indian Tribes hope to learn this week if they can move ahead with building a full-scale casino in Thurston County, south of Olympia.

The tribes already have negotiated a compact with the state but await approval of a contract under which an outside operator would run the facility.

Under the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, such management agreements must be approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

If the management agreement is approved, the tribes hope to have the casino open by the end of the year, said Bruce Einhorn of the management company Excelsior Casino Group.

Under a compact negotiated with the state, the tribes can operate 26 gaming tables that offer poker, blackjack, roulette and

craps.