Coastal Tribe Closes Casino

Wed., Aug. 27, 1997

Associated Press

The Lummi Casino has closed, hard hit by losses brought on by competition from expanded Canadian gaming, the tribe says.

The tribe announced it was closing the doors at 3 a.m. Tuesday, putting 238 people out of work.

The Lummi Indian Business Council voted last weekend to close the casino because of the declining Canadian market.

“There have been severe financial losses because of a reduction in customers,” casino manager Joe Mace said Monday. “This is directly related to expanded gaming activities in British Columbia. Eighty percent of (our) customers came from Canada.”

In recent months, British Columbia has upped wager limits, approved new games and extended hours for casinos. More changes, including the addition of slot machines to casinos, are planned in Canada.

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Coastal Tribe Closes Casino

Jesse Tinsley

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