Places to play games around Puget Sound

Stretching more than 100 miles from north to south, the Puget Sound basin holds a handful of major casinos where you can make or break a couple bucks. Whether you’re looking for a place to play, sleep, eat or enjoy some live entertainment, this part of the Northwest is where you can go to feed your fancy. 

All casinos are located on tribal lands and provide a variety of activities to choose from.

The 32 Indian gaming casinos in the state bring in $1.89 billion in revenue, according to a 2009 study done by the Casino City’s Indian Gaming Industry Report. 

According to a few casino managers, some of the money goes back into the reservations and to support the casinos, as is the situation at Suquamish Clearwater and Emerald Queen casinos.

Suquamish Clearwater 

Located on the Kitsap Peninsula shoreline just before the Agate Pass Bridge, this casino offers a variety of music, activities and a four-star resort to relax in. 

There is a different band every week that plays at the lounge and, for those who are brave enough, karaoke on the weekends. Clearwater puts on extensive concerts in the summer dedicated to supporting artists from around the area such as Ted Nugent, Christopher Cross and Vicci Martinez. 

“We try to bring a little something [for] different crowds of people, different music,” said Rich Purser, general manager of Clearwater Casino. “Country, rock — we have it all.”

For those who want to enjoy dining, check out any of four restaurants at the casino. Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy steak, Asian-style sandwiches or even breakfast-for-dinner meals, Clearwater’s restaurants has many options to choose from. 

The Longhouse Buffet is open for lunch and dinner and serves a selection of foods from around the world. 

Looking to watch your favorite sports team? The Beach Rock Lounge features big projector screens and weeknight-dinner specials for you to munch while you cheer. 

Purser said, “We have the same table games you’re going to find in Vegas, [but a] little more local-based. Everyone knows each other better; we know more of our customers.”

Emerald Queen Casino

This Port of Tacoma casino, run by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, is right off Exit 135 and draws in big-name music groups and national hype. With guests like Vince Gill, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and The Commodores, Emerald Queen Casino brings a Las Vegas style of entertainment to the Northwest. 

“We’re the Northwest capital for entertainment,” said Doreen Vitek, the Emerald Queen Casino group-sales manager. 

Emerald Queen Casino draws in more than 10,000 visitors on any given day, according to Vitek, and provides a variety of entertainment. The live events, as well as the styles of gaming, reflect the diverse community that the casino is located in, with more than 120 games, sports-viewing parties and a new musical guest every week.

The seven restaurants include two buffets: one offering either steak and ribs, and the other Surf & Turf style foods. The Palace Deli serves traditional pizza and hamburgers, and the Asian Garden Café offers a variety of noodles, crepes and more. 

Muckleshoot Casino

Operated by the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, this Auburn-based casino features slot machines, poker tables, video games, an assortment of dining areas and a club. You’ll find Society of Seven, Legends in Concert and other big acts that’ll make you feel like you’re in the Las Vegas of Washington.

The 10,000-plus visitors each week are mostly elderly during the week, according to Tony Phongsavath, advertising and promotions manager, but the weekend entertainment draws in a younger crowd. Thursday through Saturday nights at the club are DJ’d with a mix of dance songs and other music. Friday nights feature live bands. 

“All the games are similar themes that you would find in a Vegas casino,” Phongsavath said. “A lot of our entertainment comes from Vegas, as well. There aren’t different vibes; you get the same feel.”

Food options include an Island Deli, where you can get a New York-style sandwich or, if you’re feeling homesick, Northwest-style fish-and-chips. The Coyaba Grill offers a taste of comfort food like steaks and pastas. There are also seven bars located in the casino to help loosen some ties while you’re relaxing in the Cabana Bar & Cigar Lounge or watching sports in the Media Bar.

Visit the Preferred Players Club near the casino’s garage entrance for a free Players Club membership card. This card allows you free entrance into Club Galaxy, rewards you during carded-play games and offers special discounts at casino restaurants.  

Tulalip Resort Casino

Just 45 minutes north of Seattle, Tulalip Resort Casino brings a similar set of entertainment as you would find in Las Vegas, but with a Native American touch. The Tulalip Tribes of Washington have created a casino with two nightclubs and five restaurants and bring in big entertainment, from comedy shows to Ozzy Osbourne tributes. 

With 10 chefs on the clock, the food choices are never the same. The 24-hour Cedars café is open whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Or if you prefer finer dining, the Tulalip Bay welcomes you with the smells of scallops and ribs straight from the kitchen. 

And while you eat, you can enjoy the blown-glass work of Dale Chihuly, which can be found throughout the restaurant. 

The buffet offers a special dessert table and even an Italian gelato bar.