Major Expansion in the Pipeline for Tulalip Resort Casino
By
Jane Shaw
Senior Editor
Updated: 12/13/2023
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Major Expansion in the Pipeline
The Tulalip Resort Casino, located 45 miles north of Seattle in Washington, is set to undergo a significant expansion as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. This key development marks the second major expansion of the facility since it opened.
Originally opened by the Tulalip Tribes of Washington in 2003 with an investment of $78 million, the resort has played a key part in demonstrating the tribe’s economic independence. The proposed expansion includes a substantial addition of 70,250 square feet to the existing structure, as well as a complete overhaul of the 192,000-square-foot gaming floor.
Raising the Bar
Marci Fryberg, the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Tulalip Gaming Organization, said that this project will raise the bar for casino resorts in the Pacific Northwest, aiming to offer unparalleled quality and excellence. He said:
The expansion and renovation of Tulalip Resort Casino will set a new standard for quality and excellence among casino resort properties throughout the Pacific Northwest. This project exemplifies our continued devotion to provide guests with all the comforts, amenities, and services one expects in a premier destination resort.
Currently, Tulalip Resort Casino boasts a 12-story hotel with 370 rooms and a spa, alongside a wide array of gaming options, including 2,400 slot machines, 37 table games, a bingo room, and a DraftKings sportsbook.
The expansion is part of the celebrations marking two decades of the casino’s operation, which will also see the introduction of new interior and exterior elements, such as a planetarium-like dome above the Center Bar. While specific details and the project’s budget remain undisclosed, this expansion is set to increase the resort’s footprint significantly.
This project follows a $15 million renovation undertaken in 2016, which focused on updating the hotel rooms and adding five new suites, without expanding the resort’s overall size. Tulalip Resort Casino is recognized as an AAA Four Diamond property, a title it has maintained since 2009, which reflects its upscale style and exceptional service.
It also features on the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List, highlighting its status as one of the most luxurious hotels. This has helped the casino resort to gain huge popularity over recent years, with this expansion likely to enhance this even more.
Gaming Floor a Smoke-Free Facility
A key feature of the Tulalip Resort Casino is its entirely smoke-free gaming floor, a policy implemented in November 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes a ban on cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and vapes, except in designated outdoor smoking areas. This decision has been welcomed by many people visiting the resort, who want to avoid the health and safety implications of second-hand indoor smoke.
In addition to the Tulalip Resort Casino, the Tulalip Tribes of Washington also own and operate the Quil Ceda Creek Casino and Tulalip Bingo & Slots.
The expansion project is not just a celebration of the casino resort’s 20th anniversary, but a testament to the tribe’s commitment to providing a premier destination for entertainment and relaxation, while continuing to support their economic sovereignty and cultural heritage.