Randy Johnson’s last pitch in major league baseball came in 2009, nine years before sports betting was legalized by the U.S. Supreme Court. Bettors would have loved Johnson, especially in-play bets. So it’s apropos that he spoke at a celebration for the opening of two DraftKings sportsbooks in the Seattle area September 20. One is located at Tulalip Resort Casino; the other was Quil Ceda Creek Casino, according to 425 Business.
Johnson, a former Seattle Mariner and MLB Hall of Famer, spoke at Tulalip; Seattle Seahawks Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Steve Largent appeared at Quil Ceda.
“Like all of us at Tulalip Resort Casino and Quil Ceda Creek Casino, the DraftKings team is committed to excellence, and we intend to give local sports fans an experience that can’t be beat,” Brandon Jones, DraftKings Sportsbook manager at Tulalip Resort Casino, said in a news release. “These new retail sportsbooks will take our existing world-class gaming experience to a new level, and we are thrilled to be able to show our guests these additions to both properties. The first live NFL game was packed. It was awesome just to see that big of a turnout. The Seahawks-Bronco game was loud and rowdy, and everyone was having a good time.”
The sportsbooks feature live in-game sports betting and other wagering options, with viewing of sporting events on two massive LED screens.
“Our brand-new DraftKings retail sportsbooks at each location will provide sports fans in the area and tourists alike with an unmatched in-person gaming experience,” Michael Kibort Sr., director of retail sportsbook operations at DraftKings, said in the release.
Customers at Tulalip’s 5,005-square-foot DraftKings Sportsbook can watch up to 10 live sporting events on screens spanning more than 800 square feet They can place bets at 20 kiosks and four over-the-counter ticket windows. Another 10 sports-betting kiosks are located throughout the casino’s gaming floor. The sportsbook also offers cocktail service and menu options.
Quil Ceda Creek Casino’s new DraftKings Sportsbook features 20 sports-betting kiosks and three over-the-counter ticket windows located on the gaming floor and at The Stage, Quil Ceda’s entertainment venue and nightclub. The four video walls in The Stage span 896 square feet and can display up to 10 different channels simultaneously. The DraftKings Sportsbook also features a beer and wine bar with food.
Both sportsbooks are outfitted with odds boards, scrolling tickers with live-score updates, statistics, and player information.
“Seattle has always had a place in my heart because I really played the first parts of my career there,” said Johnson. “It’s only fitting that it would be a matter of time that sportsbooks would open across the country and what better place than this area with all the great sports that are here, like the Seahawks and Mariners.”
“I think people really love it. Down at the Q we have a smaller venue,” said Teri Gobin, Tulalip Tribal chairwoman.
The in-person experience offers an exciting time, said Johnny Avello, director of race and sports operations for DraftKings.
“At a sportsbook you can enter a brick-and-mortar location, there’s a lot to be said for that,” he said. “There’s a lot to enjoy when you’re together with others, having a good time and rooting for the same team.”
The DraftKings options allow for a wide variety of bets as well.
“It’s interesting on placing a bet. I never knew how many sports there were and that you can bet on anything. You can bet on the flip of a coin or that no runs will be in the first inning,” said Gobin.
Sports betting has only been allowed in Washington state for about a year and was approved by the state legislature for tribal facilities.
“We went and testified in Olympia to assist in getting that legislative fix,” said Gobin.
Native tribes in the state already had the structure in place for gambling regulation and oversight with other areas of gambling, said Gobin.
Avello, who is from Las Vegas, said he has been surprised at how much gambling options have spread over the past decade.
“Being from Las Vegas I always thought Vegas was the only place that would ever get a sportsbook and it’s exciting to watch other states have what we have had for 50 years,” Avello said.
