Spokane Casino Hotels: Northern Quest vs Spokane Tribe

Yes, Spokane has two full-service casino hotels: Northern Quest Resort & Casino and Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino, both located in Airway Heights about 10 minutes from downtown. Northern Quest offers 442 rooms, a spa, and over 1,650 slot machines. This guide compares their locations, amenities, age limits, and promotions to help you choose the right stay.

Last checked: 2026-07-23

Northern Quest Resort & Casino: Vegas-style gaming, hotel, spa, multiple restaurants; located in Airway Heights · Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino: 174 modern rooms, slots, table games, dining, indoor pool; in Airway Heights near airport · Spokane Tribe Casino age limit: 21+ for casino floor (tribal regulation – verify current policy) · Closest casino hotel to downtown Spokane: Northern Quest Resort & Casino (approx 10 min drive)

Does Spokane have casinos?

Yes, the Spokane area has two main casino hotels: Northern Quest Resort & Casino and Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino. Both are located in Airway Heights, a short drive from downtown Spokane and adjacent to Spokane International Airport. Northern Quest opened in 2009 (Hotels.com) and expanded with the River Tower in May 2023, adding more than 190 rooms (NW Travel Magazine). Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino opened its hotel addition on July 12, 2024, with 175 rooms (The Spokesman-Review).

Two main casino hotels in the Spokane area

Northern Quest is the larger resort, with 442 rooms, over 1,650 slot machines, table games, a nine-table poker room, La Rive Spa, and multiple restaurants including Masselow’s Steakhouse. The property also offers an indoor pool and hot tub, a fireside lounge, and a smoke-free hotel level. Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino counters with 174 rooms, over 900 slot machines, 17 table games, bingo, and a Caesars Sportsbook. Its amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, dining hall, and five on-site restaurants (Cvent).

“With 24/7 Vegas-style gaming just steps outside your door, you’ll experience more than you ever imagined.” — Northern Quest Resort & Casino (official site)

How far is the Casino from Spokane?

Northern Quest Resort & Casino is approximately 10 miles from downtown Spokane, about a 10- to 15-minute drive via U.S. Route 2 (Rome2Rio). Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino is minutes from Spokane International Airport and a similar short drive from downtown—both properties are in Airway Heights.

Driving distance from downtown Spokane to each casino

Northern Quest: ~10 miles northwest, located at 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights. Spokane Tribe: ~10 miles west in Airway Heights. Both are easily accessible by car or rideshare. Parking is free at both properties. The location makes either casino hotel convenient for airport travelers or those wanting a quick escape from downtown.

Do casinos in Washington give free drinks?

Policies vary by property. Tribal casinos in Washington, including Northern Quest and Spokane Tribe, can offer complimentary drinks to active players under tribal gaming compacts. Washington state law prohibits free alcohol in non-tribal casinos, but class II and III tribal compacts often allow it. At Northern Quest, players actively gambling may receive drink tickets or comped beverages (Northern Quest official site). Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino also participates in a player rewards program that can earn drink comps. It’s best to ask at the players club desk for current policy.

Washington state and tribal casino drink policies

If you are not gambling but just visiting the hotel or restaurants, drinks are purchased at standard prices. The key distinction: complimentary drinks are tied to active play, not guaranteed to all guests. This is typical across Washington tribal casinos.

What happens if I win $100,000 at the casino?

In the United States, a slot win of $100,000 would be reported to the IRS on Form W-2G. The casino will withhold 24% for federal income tax, and the payer will provide copies for state tax filing. Gambling winnings over $1,200 from slots or $5,000 from poker tournaments are reportable (IRS).

Tax reporting on large casino wins

At $100,000, you will also need to provide your Social Security number and complete Form 5754. State tax rules vary; Washington state does not have a personal income tax, so no state withholding applies. Keep all documentation for tax filing. Both Northern Quest and Spokane Tribe follow federal reporting requirements.

What is the largest Casino hotel in the world?

For context, the largest casino in the world by floor space is WinStar World Casino & Resort in Oklahoma (TravelOK.com). Northern Quest is often described as the largest casino resort in the Pacific Northwest (NW Travel Magazine), but it is far smaller than the megacasinos in Oklahoma or Las Vegas.

World’s largest casino hotel by floor space

WinStar has over 600,000 square feet of gaming space. By contrast, Northern Quest’s gaming floor is roughly 40,000 square feet—still sizable for the region but not globally competitive. The Spokane area’s offerings are best appreciated as convenient regional destinations, not world-record contenders.

Spokane casino hotel prices and deals

Room rates at both properties vary by season, day of week, and occupancy. Northern Quest generally positions as a 4-star resort (Expedia), with standard rooms often ranging from $150–$300 per night. Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino, with its newer 174-room hotel, tends to be slightly more affordable, with rates around $120–$220 per night. Both properties advertise packages that bundle hotel stays with dining credits, show tickets, or free slot play. Deals are listed on their official websites and on online travel agencies like Hotels.com and Expedia.

Price ranges for Northern Quest and Spokane Tribe hotels

Promotions frequently change. Northern Quest has a “Players Club” earning comps and discounts. Spokane Tribe offers “Club Spokane” rewards. For current deals, check the respective websites. Seasonal events (concerts, holidays) can push rates higher, while midweek stays are generally cheaper.

Spokane Tribe Casino age limit and promotions

The minimum age to enter the casino floor at Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino is 21, per tribal regulation. This applies to all gaming areas, including slots, table games, bingo, and sportsbook. The same age requirement applies at Northern Quest. The hotel and restaurants are open to guests of all ages, but anyone under 21 cannot linger in the casino.

Minimum age for gambling and latest offers

Promotions at Spokane Tribe include weekly drawings, player rewards multipliers, and concert events at Spokane LIVE, their 1,800-capacity venue (Cvent). Northern Quest runs similar promotions plus its “Quest for Rewards” program. Neither property is known for offering free play without membership, but sign-up bonuses are typical.

Pricing bands

Based on typical online travel agency listings and official websites, here are qualitative price bands for a standard double room:

• $120–$180 per night: Low-season or midweek stays at Spokane Tribe; some Northern Quest deals.
• $180–$280 per night: Typical weekend rates at both properties.
• $280+ per night: Peak season, holiday weekends, or suites at Northern Quest.

Prices fluctuate. Always compare the two official sites and an OTA like Expedia or Hotels.com for the best available rate. Some packages include resort fees; others add them at checkout.

Location and getting there

Both casino hotels are in Airway Heights, about 10 miles west of downtown Spokane. The drive via U.S. Route 2 takes 10–15 minutes. Spokane International Airport (GEG) is even closer—about 5 miles from both properties. Free parking is available at each. For those without a car, rideshare services are common; the estimated fare from downtown is $15–$25.

Spokane is roughly 110 miles south of the Canadian border. If you are traveling from Canada, the drive from the border at Osoyoos or crossing near Omak takes about 2 hours per Rome2Rio. Both properties are popular with Canadian visitors due to proximity and favorable exchange rates.

Alternatives in the region

If you are considering a stay outside the two main options, the Inland Northwest offers Mistequa Casino Hotel in Pend Oreille County, about 55 miles north of Spokane. Mistequa has over 300 gaming machines, a sportsbook, an indoor pool, and a small hotel. It has fewer rooms and limited restaurant hours (dining open Wednesday–Saturday 3–10 PM) but appeals to smoke-sensitive travelers. Another option is to drive to Coeur d’Alene Casino in Idaho (about 45 miles east), but that is outside the Spokane immediate area and not covered in this guide.