Glacier Peaks Casino in Montana Officially Opens

BROWNING, Montana – As reported by the Great Falls Tribune: "It's an eagle, it's a crop duster ... no, it's Elvis.

"The Blackfeet tribe's new Glacier Peaks Casino's official grand
  opening celebration is today, with the pageantry and glitz of Sin City.

"Ten Elvis impersonators are set to sky dive into the 30,000-square-foot gambling mecca's parking lot at 5 p.m. A confetti canyon will welcome the King look-alikes.

"…Indeed, advertisements tout Las Vegas-esque amenities, including slot machines, blackjack card games, craps tables, feathered showgirls and dealers in tuxes.

"…The $7 million casino is operated by the tribe's for-profit entity, Siyeh Corp. Once the initial debt is paid off, a percentage of the profits go to the Blackfeet Tribe for social programs.

"…Casinos are common on the Montana landscape, … the establishments [are] regulated by state law the '7-ll' version, with a limit of 20 machines and a jackpot cap of $800.

"Glacier Peaks Casino has 500 slot machines. The largest jackpot during its roughly month-long operation is $32,000.

"…Unlike the state-governed casinos, Glacier Peaks operates under federal Class II gaming rules. There are no pay out caps and gamblers essentially participate in nationwide bingo games that use a random 'ball' drawing method to choose winning numbers.

"…Blackjack and craps, illegal by Montana statute, are offered. Federal rules allow the games in tribal casinos…"