Stillaguamish and Kalispel tribes launch sports betting in Washington

Sports betting has arrived at Angel of the Winds in Arlington and at Northern Quest in Airway Heights.

US.- Two Washington tribes, the Stillaguamish and Kalispel, have launched sports betting at their respective casinos. Sports betting has launched at Angel of the Winds in Arlington and at Northern Quest in Airway Heights outside Spokane. The launches follow the September introduction of sports betting at the Snoqualmie Tribe’s casino.

Sixteen Washington tribes have received approval to add sports betting, and others are expected to join them soon. 

Rebecca George, executive director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA), said: “The launch of sports betting at a second and third tribal casino in Washington State is an important development for Washington State’s tribes, which rely on gaming revenues to fund essential services for tribal communities, and which are a critical piece of tribes’ ongoing work to build tribal communities and strengthen self-reliance.”

“Tribal gaming revenues have a demonstrated track record of providing significant boosts to the overall economies of communities across Washington State. And the public can rest assured that the addition of sports betting at these well-established casinos will be closely regulated and handled responsibly.”

She added that tribal gaming has had a 30-year track record of success in Washington State, and said all participating tribes have been careful in moving forward with the addition of sports betting.

Tribal sports betting could generate $94m in five years

A study conducted by the Washington State University has found that sports betting at the region’s tribal casinos could become a $94m business in the next five years. The research found that nearly 14 per cent of Washington residents are likely to participate in the emerging sports betting industry. It is estimated that sports betting at tribal casinos will create an estimated 273 direct jobs.

Governor Jay Inslee approved tribal deals to allow sports betting in Washington state’s casinos in July. In October, the Washington State Gaming Commission reached a tentative agreement with the Sauk Suiattle Indian Tribe to amend the tribe’s Class III gaming compact to allow sports wagering.

See also: BetMGM launches at Emerald Queen Casino, Washington