BetMGM and Emerald Queen Casino partner for Washington retail sports betting

BetMGM and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians have established a new partnership to operate sports betting at Emerald Queen Casino in Washington, announced the sports wagering and iGaming operator on Monday.

“Today’s announcement marks another key moment in the expansion of BetMGM as we extend our western footprint into Washington,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt. “The Puyallup Tribe and Emerald Queen Casino are ideal partners for us as they represent the same high level of service, amenities and experiences that are built into our DNA at BetMGM.”

Emerald Queen Casino operates two properties in Fife and Tacoma, an expansive gaming enterprise owned by the Puyallup Tribe. Pending regulatory approvals, sports betting will be available at both locations “in the near future.”

The exclusive market access partnership between BetMGM and the tribe will establish the sports betting operator’s presence in the state by allowing it to operate retail wagering in Washington. The agreement will see the opening of the BetMGM @ EQC Sportsbook in Tacoma, set to feature state-of-the-art sports betting and viewing technology. Guests will be able to place bets at six ticket windows and 30 kiosks.

According to a press release, the sports viewing area will feature “a dozen 86” high-def TVs” and a 500+ square foot LED Wall. Meanwhile, EQC Fife will offer sports betting at 22 betting kiosks. The company has shared photos of what the retail sportsbooks look like.

“We are very excited to be working with BetMGM to bring legal sports betting to sports fans in the Pacific Northwest,” said Frank Wright Jr., General Manager of Emerald Queen. “As industry leaders, EQC and BetMGM are two entertainment powerhouses, and combined we will deliver the ultimate fan experience in sports betting.

First opened in 1996 as a riverboat on the Port of Tacoma Waterway, the Emerald Queen Casino has been developed into two sprawling casinos and hotels in the City of Fife and Tacoma 24 years later by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

EQC Fife has over 2,300 slots, 103 hotel rooms, and a 25,000 square foot multi-purpose conference center. EQC Tacoma is located three miles south of the Fife venue, featuring a contemporary and luxurious gaming floor with over 2,100 slots, more than 60 table games, 155 hotel rooms and suites, 6 dining venues, and a 1,800-seat event center.

Sports betting in Washington launched in time for the new NFL season, on September 9, having been signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee back in March 2020. Mobile betting in the state is only permitted on-site.