Northern Quest Resort & Casino
The Kalispel Tribe of Indians operates the Northern Quest Resort & Casino in Airway Heights, Washington. This Native American casino sits near Spokane and serves as a major economic engine for the tribe. The property features two hotel towers, a spa, an upscale cigar bar, and more than a dozen restaurants and lounges. Two concert venues host events that draw visitors from across the region. The casino occupies nearly 100,000 square feet of gaming space. More than 1,600 slot machines line the floor alongside 37 table games and 9 poker tables. Off-track betting and a sportsbook complete the gambling inventory.
In December 2000, the Kalispel Tribe opened Northern Quest Casino with 55,540 square feet of gaming area. Additional gaming space totaling 35,000 square feet opened to the public in 2002. A 250-room hotel arrived in 2009, prompting the name change to Northern Quest Resort & Casino. That same year brought La Rive Spa, Masselow’s Steakhouse, The Lounge at Masselow’s, and Marketplace. The expansion pushed total size beyond half a million square feet. Employment grew to include more than 2,000 people. Windfall retail space opened in 2018 as a 13,000-square-foot store for outdoor brands and home goods. An RV Resort launched in 2019 with 67 sites and 18 cottages. Turf Club Sports Book began operations in December 2021 after Washington legalized sports betting. The River Tower opened in 2023 with 192 rooms, bringing total capacity to 442 rooms.
The casino floor holds nearly 100,000 square feet of active gaming space. More than 1,600 slot machines offer varied denominations and themes across the main hall. Thirty-seven table games cover blackjack, roulette, craps, and other traditional options. Nine poker tables provide dedicated space for card game enthusiasts. Off-track betting allows patrons to wager on horse races from distant tracks. A state-of-the-art sportsbook lets guests place legal wagers on all kinds of sporting events since late 2021. The layout supports both casual players and high-stakes gamblers seeking variety. Staff members manage each area to ensure smooth operation throughout long hours.
Pend Oreille Pavilion opened in 2004 as a 1,200-seat indoor concert venue. It hosts musical performances, comedy acts, and sporting events within Airway Heights. The facility occasionally holds amateur cage fighting matches. ESPN2 featured boxing events there several times under Friday Night Fights. In 2012, Northern Quest hosted the inaugural U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Women’s Boxing inside this same pavilion. BECU Live launched in 2011 as an outdoor concert venue seating over 5,000 guests. Each summer brings big-name musicians and comedians during Pepsi Outdoor Concerts. The 2024 season marked the largest to date with 27 shows between July and September. Both venues support diverse programming that attracts regional audiences year after year.
Northern Quest has hosted many star-studded shows including Steve Miller Band, Journey, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Darius Rucker, Ringo Starr, Foreigner, Dierks Bentley, Sammy Hagar, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Kelly Clarkson, Train, Pitbull, ZZ Top, Heart, and Snoop Dogg. Comedians Gabriel Iglesias, Steve Martin & Martin Short, and Jeff Dunham also took the stage. The property hosted the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Women’s Boxing inside Pend Oreille Pavilion. These events draw crowds from across Washington State and beyond. The variety of acts ensures something appeals to different tastes each season. Summer concerts at BECU Live remain a highlight for local music fans.
Business Insider Magazine named Northern Quest the ninth best casino in the country in 2020. The Academy of Country Music Awards nominated it for Casino of the Year in both 2012 and 2022. Nominations recognized the high caliber of Pepsi Outdoor Concerts held annually. The 2024 outdoor concert season became the largest with 27 shows between July and September. This recognition highlights consistent quality in entertainment offerings. The resort continues to compete nationally while serving regional communities effectively.
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Common questions
Who operates the Northern Quest Resort & Casino?
The Kalispel Tribe of Indians operates the Northern Quest Resort & Casino. This Native American casino is located in Airway Heights, Washington near Spokane.
When did the Northern Quest Resort & Casino open its first gaming floor?
In December 2000, the Kalispel Tribe opened Northern Quest Casino with 55,540 square feet of gaming area. Additional gaming space totaling 35,000 square feet opened to the public in 2002.
How many rooms does the Northern Quest Resort & Casino have after the River Tower expansion?
The River Tower opened in 2023 with 192 rooms bringing total capacity to 442 rooms. The property features two hotel towers that accommodate guests year round.
What entertainment venues are available at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino?
Pend Oreille Pavilion opened in 2004 as a 1,200-seat indoor concert venue hosting musical performances and sporting events. BECU Live launched in 2011 as an outdoor concert venue seating over 5,000 guests for summer concerts.
Which awards has the Northern Quest Resort & Casino received for its operations?
Business Insider Magazine named Northern Quest the ninth best casino in the country in 2020. The Academy of Country Music Awards nominated it for Casino of the Year in both 2012 and 2022.