Airway Heights, WA (December 4, 2021) – After several years of negotiations, research and preparation, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Resort & Casino are pleased to announce their new Turf Club Sports Book will open to the public on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 7 a.m., allowing guests to place what will likely be their first ever legal sports wagers in Washington state.
As a recognized leader in Indian country, Northern Quest has worked hard throughout the legislative process to advocate for Washington State tribes, ensuring that sports wagering is brought to the market in a legal and responsible way. “Tribes not only have the expertise and infrastructure to effectively operate and regulate sports betting,” says Kevin Zenishek, Northern Quest Executive Director of Casino Operations, “but they are also second-to-none when it comes to promoting responsible gaming and providing resources for problem gambling issues. We were proud to work closely with other tribes across the state as we all found a meaningful way to responsibly bring legal sports betting into Washington.”
Beginning Saturday, December 4, guests can visit the all-new Turf Club Sports Book inside Northern Quest, located near all the action on the main casino floor. The 2,300 square-foot dedicated area features dozens of state-of-the-art digital screens that can be dynamically configured into one large TV for big games, or many smaller ones, so sports fans can monitor multiple games, matches and horse races at once. A dozen rocking stadium recliners offer the best views of all the sports action, complete with phone charging capabilities. Guests also have access to a full-service bar, nearly two dozen bar-top slot machines and digital screens that list the latest games and matches, along with the most updated odds for wagering.
Initially, guests will have two options for placing sports wagers. Retail counters will be open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The second option for placing bets includes electronic kiosks that will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Kiosks are located inside the Turf Club and inside EPIC sports bar. Northern Quest plans to bring mobile sports betting online in the Spring of 2022.
The new up-scale sportsbook features modern design elements meant to capture the attention of gamers throughout the casino. The grand entryway to the Turf Club features large pillars, ceiling treatments and an LED digital screen ribbon that wraps around the entire soffit of the club, providing lights and video as well as the latest scores and unique marketing content. I-5 Design, based in Olympia, Wash., designed the space and fabricated many of the elements at their headquarters, before transporting them to Northern Quest for installation. Northern Quest has partnered with IGT for all sports wagering platforms. The Turf Club Sports Book brings exciting new entertainment options to our resort property and provides approximately 20 additional jobs in the community.
“We want to thank our loyal players for their patience as we worked to build a Sports Book that will provide an incredible guest experience,” says Northern Quest General Manager Nick Pierre. “While many guests are familiar with sports betting in other states, we know there are many more who have never placed a wager on a sporting event. We hope we’ve created a space that has been worth the wait. Our Team Members look forward to assisting guests with learning the new system, while providing outstanding Kalispel Hospitality along the way.”