The Snoqualmie Casino made history Thursday, September 9, opening the first sportsbook in Washington State. Former Seattle SuperSonics All-Star Shawn Kemp placed the first bet to a crowd of several hundred sports bettors and spectators.
“This is the start of something really big around here,” said Kemp, who expressed his excitement that sports betting is now available close to home.
The opening of Snoqualmie Casino’s sportsbook strategically comes just ahead of the NFL’s first regular-season game. “It is only because of the hard work and collaboration between the Washington State Gambling Commission, the Snoqualmie Gaming Commission and our casino team members that we are able to accomplish this milestone in time for the kick-off of the NFL season,” states Stanford Le, CEO and President of Snoqualmie Casino.
Snoqualmie Casino received regulatory approval on August 31, allowing the licensing of vendors, one of the final steps in opening.
Currently, sports bettors can place wagers at the sportsbook ticket window or any of the six kiosks throughout the casino floor. Within weeks of opening, mobile betting will be available within a geo-fence perimeter of Snoqualmie Casino.
“The Snoqualmie Tribe is proud that its casino is the first to launch sports wagering in Washington,” says Snoqualmie Tribe Chairman Robert de los Angeles.
“Sports in the Pacific Northwest represents a source of pride for our team members and our neighbors. It is with great joy that we celebrate the new football season by launching the closest sportsbook to Seattle’s sports district.”
