S&K Gaming is set to unveil the 400 Horses Casino in Polson, Montana, with a grand opening ceremony scheduled for May 5 at 2 p.m. This marks a significant expansion of their gaming operations.
The new facility spans 34,000 square feet and is located off Irvine Flats Road. It will offer over 300 gaming machines, with plans to increase that number by an additional 100 in the future. A restaurant will also be part of the casino, which has already generated more than 75 new jobs.
Development of the project began in 2021, with final plans approved in late 2024 and construction starting on April 9, 2025. The casino is being developed under the enterprise structure of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, which ensures that 60% of the casino's revenue is returned to tribal communities for social services.
Situated on a 79-acre tribal tract, the project occupies about 10 acres and was annexed into the city of Polson in 2023. This annexation allows the casino to connect to municipal water and sewer systems.
Zeke Keeler, the marketing director at S&K Gaming, noted that connecting to city utilities helped avoid the need for a well or drain field, while also facilitating future development.
The new casino aims to improve upon the layout issues faced at S&K's Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino, where gaming areas were added after the hotel was built, resulting in what CEO Bryon Miller described as a “weird” layout.
Lessons learned from the Gray Wolf Peak Casino have also influenced the design, focusing on maximizing space efficiency.
The gaming options will include Class II slot machines and electronic table games, although live table games will not be available at launch.
The casino will feature the 371 Bar and Grill, a restaurant that can accommodate around 70 guests with both indoor and patio seating overlooking Flathead Lake. Chef Pedro Vera, formerly the executive chef at Finley Point Grill, will lead the restaurant, which will have extended hours to align with casino operations.
Miller mentioned that they are collaborating with the Montana Department of Transportation to implement traffic mitigation strategies, such as road realignment and the addition of turn lanes near the casino. However, some of these improvements may not be completed before the grand opening.
The name “400 Horses” was chosen based on community feedback and pays tribute to Chief Alexander, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Chief Alexander, also known as “No Horses,” was reputedly very wealthy at the end of his life, owning approximately 400 horses.
After the casino opens, renovations are planned for the Kwataqnuk Resort to enhance its family-friendly appeal.