The Stillaguamish Tribe’s Angel of the Winds Casino and the Kalispel Tribe’s Northern Quest Casino in Washington are now live with sports betting, the Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA) said on Friday. The news follows the September launch of sports betting at the Snoqualmie Tribe’s casino.
A total of 16 Washington tribes have now received approval to add sports betting while more announcements from other tribal casinos are expected “soon,” according to the WIGA, which issued a statement in response to the newly-announced developments.
“The launch of sports betting this week at a second and third tribal casino in Washington State is an important development for Washington State’s tribes,” said Rebecca George, Executive Director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association. The tribal nations rely on gaming revenues to fund essential services for their communities and strengthen self-reliance.
Sports betting launched at Angel of the Winds Casino in Arlington last Wednesday. Kalispel Tribe’s Northern Quest in Airway Heights, outside Spokane, launched sports wagering on Saturday: its Turf Club Sportsbook is the first place in Spokane for legal sports betting outside of video horse race wagers.
🏈Sports betting is now open! Bet on your favorite teams and sports at The Book, and best of all, your first bet’s on us! Visit our website via the link below for more details. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit https://t.co/f6deoBJt5V.https://t.co/FQ3V7EDDWK pic.twitter.com/QbUdShW0ee
— Angel Of The Winds Casino Resort (@aotwcasino) December 1, 2021
“So far, the response has been great,” said Kevin Zenishek, the Executive Director of Casino Operations for Northern Quest. The sportsbook first opened up for a VIP event on Friday night and to the general public on Saturday morning. The casino is now working on a mobile app that will allow people to place bets on their phones if they are on Northern Quest property.
Meanwhile, Angel of the Winds Casino Resort is offering its guests betting at The Book, formerly known as the Keno Lounge. It provides customers a dedicated space for sports wagering, with multiple televisions, comfortable seating and dining options.
“This is an exciting time for our guests, as we are the first casino north of Seattle to bring this amenity to our property. Our plan is to continue to enhance the experience in the future with sports betting kiosks, an on-premise mobile option, and our helpful and friendly staff at The Book,” said Travis O’Neil, Chief Executive Officer.
According to WIGA’s Rebecca George, the newly-launched operations will not only bring major benefits to tribes but for local communities “that profit from the hundreds of jobs and the substantial economic activity” that tribal gaming creates.
“Tribal gaming revenues have a demonstrated track record of providing significant boosts to the overall economies of communities across Washington State,” the Executive Director of the Indian gaming trade association said. “And the public can rest assured that the addition of sports betting at these well-established casinos will be closely regulated and handled responsibly.”
