KENNEWICK — The Yakama Nation marked 25th year since Legends Casino opened in Toppenish with a blessing, fireworks and gifts for its 10 “Day One” employees.
The tribe-owned casino opened at exactly 11 a.m. May 15, 1998. It is one of two tribal casinos within an hour’s drive of the Tri-Cities.
The other is Wildhorse, operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Pendleton, Ore.
That could change. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation recently initiated a federal process to site a casino on tribe-owned land near Pasco’s King City Truck Stop.
The Yakama Nation, while objecting to the Colville plan, say they have their own vision of a casino in the Tri-Cities.
But May 15 was for celebrating the Yakama Nation’s existing casino and the original employees who greeted guests on Day One.
Legends opened with 324 employees and a mission to provide revenue and jobs to the enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation.
Tribal Chairman Gerald Lewis recalled the challenge of building and then opening the massive complex. The budget was tight and the challenges were countless.
In the end, he said the Yakama created a destination business that has yielded both jobs and opportunity.
It currently employs more than 700 people and offers nearly 1,500 slot machines, 18 table games, a poker room, buffet restaurant, gift shop and hotel and event center.
Letisha Peterson, general manager, is an enrolled member of the Yakama and 15-year employee. She said Legends is serious about providing jobs, employing more people than strictly necessary.
“We can operate with less people,” she said.
More than half of employees are members of or affiliated with the Yakama Nation.
Both the Yakama and the Colville claim territorial rights to the area which will be addressed as the Colville pursue approval through a federal process.
The Yakama say they are seeking a Tri-Cities site.
