Walk into the New Phoenix Casino in La Center, and you aren't just stepping into another card room. You’re stepping into a survivor. For a while there, it looked like the lights were out for good. Back in 2017, the doors locked, the tables went dark, and the town of La Center—once the gambling capital of Southwest Washington—seemed to be losing its identity.
But things change. Honestly, the story of the New Phoenix Casino Washington is kinda wild when you look at the timeline. It’s a mix of small-town grit, corporate rivalry, and a massive pivot in how people gamble in the Pacific Northwest.
The Rise, The Fall, and the October Surprise
To understand why people are talking about the New Phoenix again, you have to look at what happened when the ilani Resort opened just across the highway. Imagine being a local card room that's been around since 1991, suddenly facing a $510 million giant with thousands of slots. It wasn't just the competition for players that hurt; it was the talent. Dealers and floor staff started migrating to the bigger paycheck and the flashy new floor.
The New Phoenix closed its doors in March 2017. Most people thought that was the end of the chapter. George Teeny, the longtime owner, had to make the tough call because the labor pool just evaporated. But fast forward to late 2022 and early 2023, and something shifted.
A new ownership group, MT&M Gaming Inc., stepped in. Victor Mena and Bob Clark teamed up with Teeny to breathe life back into the building. They didn't just slap on a new coat of paint. They completely gutted the place, installed over 30 big-screen TVs, and built a massive new bar right on the gaming floor. When they held the ribbon-cutting in March 2023, it wasn't just a business opening; it was a signal that La Center wasn't ready to fold its hand yet.
What’s Actually Happening Inside the New Phoenix Casino Washington?
If you're looking for slot machines, keep driving. Washington state law for non-tribal card rooms is very specific: no slots, no video poker, no electronic pull-tabs. It’s strictly "house-banked" table games.
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The strategy here is basically a "split-personality" setup with its sister property, The Last Frontier. While The Last Frontier has become the dedicated poker hub, the New Phoenix focuses almost exclusively on the fast-paced table action.
The Gaming Floor Breakdown
- EZ Baccarat: This is a huge draw. It's the classic game but without that annoying 5% commission on winning Banker bets.
- Emperor’s Challenge Pai Gow: A local favorite where you're trying to make two poker hands out of seven cards.
- Lucky Ladies Blackjack: The side bets here are where the real "swing" happens. If you land two Queen of Hearts, the payout is legendary.
- High Card Flush: Simple, fast, and honestly, a bit addictive if you're into chasing suits.
- Heads Up Hold 'Em: For those who want the poker feel but want to play against the house rather than a table full of sharks.
The betting limits usually hover around $300, which keeps the atmosphere manageable. It’s not the high-stakes madness of Vegas, but it’s enough to keep the adrenaline moving.
The Food: More Than Just "Casino Grub"
You can't talk about the New Phoenix Casino Washington without mentioning the food. Most card rooms have a "serviceable" kitchen, but the Twin Palms Oasis Lounge and the associated restaurant have a legitimate following for their Asian-inspired menu.
The Salt & Pepper Prawns are usually the first thing people recommend. They're deep-fried with jalapenos, garlic, and onions—basically the perfect "tilting" food when a hand doesn't go your way. They also serve a New York Steak that, at $45.95, is surprisingly high-end for a card room environment.
One of the best perks? If you’re actually sitting at a table playing, you get "unlimited" Happy Hour pricing. That means 30% off the bar food menu. It’s a smart move that keeps people in their seats, but also makes it one of the most affordable late-night spots in Clark County.
The "Local" Factor vs. The Big Resorts
Why do people still go here when ilani is five minutes away? Nuance.
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Big tribal casinos can feel like warehouses. They’re loud, windowless, and anonymous. The New Phoenix feels like a neighborhood bar where someone might actually know your name. The dealers are often locals who have lived in the area for decades.
There's also the "non-smoking" aspect. The New Phoenix and Last Frontier have leaned heavily into a cleaner air policy, which is a major selling point for players who don't want to smell like an ashtray for three days after a session.
Current Hours and Access
The casino operates 24/7. However, the kitchen hours can be a bit more specific, usually running until 1:00 AM. It’s located at 225 West Fourth Street in La Center. If you’re coming from Portland, it’s about a 25-30 minute drive depending on how bad the I-5 bridge is behaving.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head out there, don't just walk in and drop a hundred on the first table you see.
- Join the Player’s Club immediately. Even if you only plan to play for an hour, the points add up for food comps. Since the New Phoenix and Last Frontier are linked, you can earn and spend points at both.
- Check the High Hand schedule. If you prefer the poker side at Last Frontier, they run high-hand payouts every 30 minutes. It’s essentially "free" money just for playing the game you were going to play anyway.
- Karaoke Nights. If you want a break from the cards, Friday through Sunday nights (9 PM to 1 AM) feature a pro DJ and karaoke. It’s a weirdly high-energy vibe for a card room.
- Watch the Minimums. On weekends, table minimums can jump. If you’re a $5 player, Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons are your best bet to find a seat that won't drain your bankroll in three hands.
The New Phoenix isn't trying to be a world-class resort. It’s a specialized, intimate card room that has survived a near-death experience to find its niche. For players who value the social side of gaming and a solid plate of yakisoba, it’s still very much a player in the Washington scene.