FanDuel launches retail sportsbook in Washington State

FanDuel joined the Washington State sports betting market last week as part of its exclusive agreement with Port Madison Enterprises, the economic development authority of the Suquamish Tribe. The agency owns and runs Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, which is located in Suquamish.

The new FanDuel Sportsbook at Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort opened its doors to bettors at 4pm PT on Friday following a colorful official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ceremonial first bets at the venue were placed by former Seattle Seahawks stars Steve Largent and Jim Zorn.

The 2,086-square-foot sportsbook is located just off the floor of the casino, next to the Seafood Bar and Agate Pass Deli. The venue boasts 17 screens, including a 32’ x 9’ HD video wall, comfortable club chair sitting, three live betting windows, and 12 self-service kiosks. The establishment has also installed three self-service betting kiosks in the Beach Rock Music and Sports Lounge. The lounge also features seating for over 250 people and 11 televisions.

The sportsbook is powered by IGT PlaySports technology.

Washington is the 18th state in which FanDuel has an online or retail presence.

Bringing the FanDuel experience to the west coast

The opening of the FanDuel Sportsbook at Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort is a significant milestone for the operator as it is the company’s first launch in the Pacific West.

In a statement about the launch, FanDuel’s Vice President of Retail, Keith Wall, said: “This has been a special project for us because it has allowed us to expand our retail footprint to the West Coast. The Suquamish Tribe has been an amazing partner throughout the process and Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort is an amazing property that everyone needs to visit for the stunning views, world-class entertainment, and now legal sports betting.”

Rion Ramirez, the CEO of Port Madison Enterprises, added: “We are excited to have formed a partnership with FanDuel, America’s no.1 sportsbook, and be their exclusive partner in Washington State. The joint effort between the Suquamish Tribal Gaming Commission, the Washington State Gambling Commission, FanDuel, and a number of our Casino employees made this all possible and we are thrilled the sportsbook is now open.”

The operating hours of the sportsbook are 10am to midnight, Monday through Sunday.

Little Creek Casino also rolls out retail betting

Little Creek Casino Resort is also accepting sports wagers.

The facility, which is owned by the Squaxin Island Tribe, was approved to launch its retail sportsbook on Tuesday, February 1. The tribe partnered with International Game Technology (IGT) for its retail betting operations.

The Little Creek Sports Book features 30 luxury lounge chairs, eight self-service betting terminals, eight 82-inch screens, and a giant 20’ x 10’ LED video wall. The sportsbook is located on the main casino floor.

The successful debut of retail sports betting at Little Creek Casino and Suquamish Clearwater Casino last week brings the number of operational sportsbooks in Washington State to seven. The jurisdiction legalized the activity in March 2020, paving the way for tribal gaming establishments to add sports betting to their offering.

16 of the federally recognized tribes in the state renegotiated their gaming compacts with Governor Jay Inslee in June, and they were consequently approved by the Department of the Interior in August.

Those that have started accepting bets include the Snoqualmie Tribe, the Stillaguamish Tribe, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the Puyallup Tribe of Washington Indians, the Squaxin Island Tribe, and the Suquamish Tribe.

The Spokane tribe is also set to join the growing Washington sports betting market soon through a partnership with Caesars Entertainment. The two partners announced the exclusive agreement that will see Caesars operate an on-site sportsbook at the tribe’s casino in Airway Heights last week.