Polson casino opening aims to boost local economy

Polson, Mont. — A new casino opened in Polson as community members gathered for presentations and a ribbon-cutting.

The new 400 Horses Casino was completed in 13 months, with leaders saying the quick timeline helped get the business open and support the local economy.

Not a single gaming machine had an empty seat during the grand opening. A major step in the right direction for the Polson area and local residents are ready to embrace the new space.

Zeke Keeler, S&K Gaming director of marketing, said the response was been strong as the casino opened in Polson.

“People like new change, you know, especially a change that brings positive impacts within their surrounding communities. You know, obviously anywhere you go, you're going to get a little bit of pushback. But for the most part, we've had a very, very positive feedback and very a lot of encouragement,” said Keeler.

Keeler explained that while some resistance was expected, most of the feedback had been encouraging from people in the community.

Casino leaders also said the focus now shifts from a strong opening day to making sure guests want to return.

“Think it gives us an opportunity more than anything. It gives us an opportunity to every touchpoint that we have with the guest, you know, to make the most out of it to try to get the the guests, to be reoccurring guests, to visit us,” said Bryon Miller, CEO of 400 Horses Casino. “That's a really have a good experience. I mean, at the end of the day, we want the experience to be on for our guests.”

Miller also said f the next plans for the broader area involve building hotels to help grow the economy and attract more people interested in visiting the casino.