MGM Begins Retail Sports Betting In Washington State

MGM Resorts and its sports betting division kicked off sports betting in the state of Washington in late December, according to a press release from the company.

The Las Vegas-based casino operator launched sports gambling with the Emerald Queen Casino, dubbed EQC. The casino belongs to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

Local sports stars Edgar Martinez, Marshawn Lynch, Lawyer Milloy, and Sydney Rice were on hand to commemorate the opening. Lynch was named a brand ambassador in July 2021.

“We’re thrilled to expand BetMGM’s presence in Washington, a significant market filled with some of the country’s most passionate sports fans,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt in a statement. “Together with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and our partners at Emerald Queen Casino, we’re proud to welcome guests.”

Features of the sportsbook space include six ticket windows and 30 betting kiosks.

EQC has really gone above and beyond in making BetMGM Sportsbook @ EQC the premier destination for sports betting in the Northwest,” The Puyallup Tribal Council said. “We’ve got the biggest video screen in the country, great seating, and an opening day that brought sports legends plus a live broadcast and a live game.”

According to an announcement, mobile wagering on-site will commence “in early 2022.” The wagering is not available statewide over the internet like the activity is in other states.

The first retail sportsbook opened in Washington State in the fall of 2021. Oregon, the state’s neighbor, allows statewide sports betting on computers and mobile devices.