The Wildhorse Resort & Casino is located in Pendleton, Oregon, about 210 miles east of Portland and about 25 mile southwest of Walla Walla, Washington. The facility is operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Tribal History

The Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla people have lived for hundreds of years in northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington. They came together on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in 1855 and were united under a single tribal government in 1949.

In prehistoric times, the Walla Walla and Umatilla were river peoples who shared the Big River (Columbia). The Cayuse lived along the tributary river valleys in the Blue Mountains. The river system was the lifeblood of the people, and it linked many different cultures by trade, marriage, conflict, and politics. The people fished, traded, and paddled along the river in canoes. The Walla Walla and the Umatilla spoke a Shahaptian language; the Cayuse spoke a language called Waiilatpuan. However, the people on the Columbia Plateau were multi-lingual. People learned and spoke several trade jargons, other dialects of Shahaptian, as well as Salish, Chinookian, and Klamath. Later they learned to speak French and English.

The tribe currently has more than 2,400 members.

The Casino

The 80,000 square-foot casino has more than 650 exciting Las Vegas-style slot machines including Winning Riches, Golden Pyramids, I.C. Money, Enchanted Unicorn, Hexbreaker, Penguin Pays, Cleopatra, Dolphin Treasure, Jackpot Party, and many more. For those who want to breathe easier, the Coyote Room offers a smoke-free environment with more than 60 slot machines.

A Krazy Keno tournament is held twice a month. There are weekly blackjack tournaments held every Monday night. Entry is just $5, and buy-in is $20. Play starts at 7:30 p.m.

Other games include video slots, video poker, conventional poker, and bingo. Off-track betting is also available.

Accommodations

The facility has a 100-room hotel, featuring rooms and suites located adjacent to the casino. Guests may also take advantage of the 100-space RV Park, which offers shuttle transportation to and from the casino and a complimentary continental breakfast. Those who want a taste of the Old West may choose to sleep in an old-style tipi. The modern amenities are not forgotten; showers, restrooms, coin-operated laundry facilities, heated outdoor pool and hot tub are all there too.

The Hot Rock Café is located in the heart of the Wildhorse casino. The restaurant offers conventional fare, plus breakfast served every day from 2 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Additionally, diners have the option of eating at the Wildhorse Restaurant, which offers a variety of American-style dishes and a Sunday brunch. Nearby is The Clubhouse Grill is located at the Golf Course, and the Kinship Café found at the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute.