The Indian Gaming Association this week held a summit among Montana tribal casinos as it celebrated the opening of the new 400 Horses Casinos by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and S&K Gaming.

Located near Highway 83 and the Polson Airport in Lake County, Montana, the new 35,000-square-foot gaming and entertainment destination represents one of the largest recent economic development projects for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The facility features approximately 300 gaming machines, outdoor patio areas overlooking Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains, and the new 371 restaurant, named after the deepest point of Flathead Lake.

The project was completed ahead of schedule and officially opened following a community celebration that included tribal leadership, elders, cultural presentations, blessings, and representatives from tribal gaming organizations and regional tribal governments.

“This beautiful facility reflects the strength and vision of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and their commitment to investing in the future of their people,” said David Bean, chairman of the Indian Gaming Association. “Tribal gaming continues to create opportunity, support families, and strengthen communities across Indian Country while protecting and exercising tribal sovereignty.”

During the opening celebration, tribal leaders highlighted the economic impact the new facility will have throughout the region. According to remarks during the ceremony, the casino and gaming operations support more than 200 jobs, with additional seasonal employment opportunities each summer. Tribal leadership also noted the significant construction and trade employment generated throughout the development of the project.

Bean joined tribal leaders and community members in recognizing the importance of tribal gaming as a driver of self-determination and economic independence for tribal nations.

“Tribal gaming is about much more than entertainment,” Bean said. “It is about creating opportunities for future generations, strengthening tribal economies, and ensuring tribes have the ability to provide for their communities through their own success and leadership.”

The name “400 Horses” honors Chief Alexander of the Pend d’Oreille people, a respected tribal leader remembered for his prominence in the region. Tribal officials also emphasized the importance of incorporating cultural identity and educational exhibits throughout the facility to share the history and traditions of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes with visitors and guests.

Bean also recognized the collaboration and commitment that brought the project to completion.

“The Indian gaming industry has always been built on unity, relationships, and tribal leadership working together,” Chairman Bean said. “The dedication shown by the Tribal Council, S&K Gaming leadership, employees, construction teams, and the entire community made this vision possible. This facility stands as another example of what tribal nations can accomplish through sovereignty, determination, and a commitment to their people.”

IGA joined tribal leaders from across Montana this week for the Tribal Leaders Gaming Summit hosted by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes at the KwaTaqNuk Resort. The summit brought together tribal leadership, regulators, and industry experts to address key issues affecting tribal gaming, with a central focus on the growing threat from illegal prediction market betting.

The summit featured a comprehensive agenda designed to provide both national and regional insight into the evolving gaming landscape. Sessions included a national tribal gaming update led by IGA, a regional perspective from Rocky Mountain tribal leaders, and a state regulatory briefing from the Montana Department of Justice Gaming Control Division.

Discussions throughout the day highlighted federal developments impacting tribal gaming, emerging legal challenges, and the growing influence of prediction markets on both tribal and state regulatory frameworks. Regional leaders shared perspectives on the need for stronger coordination among tribes and explored opportunities to establish more formal collaboration structures to address shared challenges moving forward.

The summit also included a detailed state regulatory overview, providing insight into Montana’s current gaming framework, enforcement challenges, and active litigation surrounding prediction market operators.

Bean in his remarks emphasized the urgency of unified tribal action in response to unregulated online betting platforms operating under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

“This is one of the greatest threats to tribal sovereignty that we have seen in decades,” Bean said. “These so-called prediction markets allow online betting to occur across every reservation and every state, regardless of whether tribes or states have authorized it. That undermines the very foundation of tribal gaming and the regulatory framework we have built together.”

Bean also highlighted that tribal gaming has grown into a strong and stable industry because of consistent regulation, intergovernmental cooperation, and respect for tribal authority. He warned that CFTC-regulated prediction markets bypass these safeguards entirely.

“For nearly four decades, tribal gaming has succeeded because we follow the law, respect the regulatory process, and work in partnership with states and the federal government,” Bean said. “What we are seeing now is a system operating outside those rules, and that is unacceptable.”

Bean outlined IGA’s multi-pronged approach to addressing the issue, including legislative advocacy, potential legal action, and a coordinated public-education effort. He stressed that collaboration among tribes will be essential moving forward.

“We do not look for conflict, but we will defend what our tribes have fought for,” Bean said. “Tribal gaming supports essential government services, from healthcare to education. Protecting that system is not optional; it is our responsibility.”

Additional dialogue throughout the Summit focused on the importance of consumer protection, the impact of unregulated betting on younger populations, and the long-term implications for tribal revenue streams that fund essential services. Leaders also discussed the need for unified messaging, coalition building with state and national partners, and continued education efforts to ensure tribes are fully informed and engaged on this rapidly developing issue.