Washington

Hello, We’re Western Summit Group Gaming

Western Summit Group Gaming currently owns and operates a portfolio of 27 properties across Nevada, Washington, and Colorado with a total of 1800 slot machines, 350 table games, 1020 hotel rooms, and 30 restaurants.

Western Summit is re-imagining what cardrooms can be for Washington neighborhood entertainment as an employer and community partner. As we continue to expand our investment in Washington, we are committed to being good neighbors and members of the community.

Important Announcement: Closure of Locations

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We regret to announce the closure of four of our locations: Dragon Tiger Casino in Mountlake, Palace Casino in Lakewood, Silver Dollar Renton, and Roman Casino in Seattle.

This decision follows the Washington Gaming Commissioners’ choice to shut down the centralized surveillance petition, which was intended to support Washington Cardrooms.

In the decision considerations, the gaming board compared Washington cardroom casinos (15 tables) to mega casinos that attract higher volumes of traffic, impacting our operations. The lack of centralized and advanced surveillance technology, in contrast to what is available in larger establishments, has further hindered our ability to compete effectively.

Support Washington Cardrooms – Demand the WHY!

Have questions and concerns, directly contact the (3) Washington Gaming Commissioners that voted against it below:

– Anders Ibsen: Anders.Ibsen@wsgc.wa.gov

– Sarah Lawson: Sarah.Lawson@wsgc.wa.gov

– Michael Charles: Michael.Charles@wsgc.wa.gov

We appreciate your support during this challenging situation.

WESTERN SUMMIT’S COMMITMENTS TO WASHINGTON

Leadership in Responsible Gaming

“Self-exclusion” gives problem gamblers the opportunity to identify themselves and avoid risking their wallets and their well-being. As of June 2021, the Washington State Gambling Commission requires establishment of a self-exclusion policy across all gaming properties in Washington.

Over a year before it was required, as a part of its core responsible gaming philosophy, Western Summit Gaming was the first in the state to implement and activate a centralized self-exclusion system statewide, barring problem gamblers from all of our card rooms. We are happy to provide a safe place for the 97% of people who can place bets responsibly and for fun. For those who cannot, centralized self-exclusion will help us to prohibit self-harm while gambling in our facilities.

Supporting Community Programs on Problem Gaming

At Western Summit Group Gaming, our purpose is to provide a fun, safe entertainment choice for our customers, the vast majority of which enjoy gaming responsibly. For those who cannot, our approach is to provide support for programs and policies that help ensure those who struggle with problem gambling have access to the help they need.

In 2021, Western Summit Group Gaming contributed thousands to the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (2020 contribution was $194,381). The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to providing services and programs for problem gamblers, their families, employers, students, treatment professionals, and the greater community through gambling addiction treatment support, information and education, advocacy, research, and prevention efforts. Western Summit Gaming’s contribution to the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling is funded by setting aside a portion of bets placed in house-banked card-games.

Good-Paying Jobs

As we continue to expand our investment in Washington, we know that our employees are the heart of our business and on the front lines of providing a first-class experience to our guests. Part of being good neighbors and members of the community is being a good employer. We are confident enough in our commitment to our employees that we’ve worked with local labor organizations to ensure we’re working together on sustainable, family wage jobs.

In December of 2019, more than 1,700 card room workers employed by Western Summit Group Gaming chose to become members of Teamsters Local 117, authorized as the workers’ exclusive bargaining representative through a card check process conducted by an independent arbitrator.

Community

Western Summit Group Gaming wants to participate as a good corporate citizen and a good neighbor. We want to redefine what a casino is for our guests, providing a local neighborhood option where you can come together with friends after work or to watch the game.

Western Summit Group Gaming is a proud partner with, and member of, local organizations across Washington.

Public Policy

The ownership and senior management of Western Summit Group Gaming believes their company has an obligation and responsibility to actively participate in civic and political life. In 2019, Western Summit established a political action committee (PAC) to advocate for and on behalf of its employees and company priorities. Western Summit Group Gaming’s corporate culture is to participate in the political process, in a non-partisan way, for our employees and the communities where we do business.

Sports Betting Opportunity for all Washington Communities

Washington must take advantage of revenue streams to state coffers that strengthen the ability to meet the needs of all its residents. Sports betting is legal in a growing number of states and D.C. As of February 2, 2023, the amount of taxes collected by state and local jurisdictions, or the state share of proceeds in revenue-sharing markets nationwide since June 2018 is $2,374,274,077. Sports betting is legal in 30 states and D.C.

In 2023, we are supporting legislation that would include Washington State commercial cardrooms in the ability to offer this popular pastime in a limited way. Revenues would create jobs and taxes paid would benefit local and state government. We are proud that the Washington State Labor Council passed a resolution (21.06) to support a sports betting bill. They joined their colleagues in Local Teamsters 117, and the labor councils of Snohomish, King and Pierce County when they announced their support.

Legal, safe betting should be a consumer choice everywhere, not just for those willing and able to drive to a tribal destination casino. No part of legislation we support would preclude tribal sports betting offerings, which are robust and offered widely on tribal properties which offer gaming and entertainment for their guests.

What is Sports Betting

Sports betting is the ability for a person to predict an outcome of a sporting event, put money on it, and then watch the game or match to enhance their overall experience. If you put $20 on a Seahawks or Storm game, you cheer that much louder. If your team wins, and YOU win also, it’s even better.

Should Washington Allow Sports betting?

The 2019-2020 State Legislature gave Washington Tribes the ability to offer sports betting, and sports books run on tribal properties generate much-needed revenue to support tribal communities. We support legislation that would include Washington State in the ability to offer this popular pastime in a very limited way in existing cardrooms and racetracks only, with revenues benefiting local and state government. In particular, we believe that sport betting can be offered responsibly, with strict limitations that safeguard against widespread unmonitored betting, while also creating economic opportunity that supports working families in Washington communities statewide.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I’ve Never Been In A Cardroom, What Should I Expect?

At Western Summit Group Gaming cardrooms you can expect clean, bright, safe facilities where you can have a drink and a bite to eat while you have a fun time. We try to take care of our employees, so they are happy in their jobs, and thus providing great service to our guests. And because we are committed to being part of our communities, we hope you’ll feel at home.

What Makes Western Summit Group Gaming Different Than Other Casinos?

Western Summit Group Gaming is a company, but it also represents a lifelong dream come to life. We hope to establish a presence in Washington to be proud of, that has a legacy fitting of our families and for the people on our team who want to be a part of offering another option for gambling and entertainment in Washington. No one takes more pride in their work or cares more about their guest experience than we do.

What’s The Difference Between Western Summit Gaming Cardrooms and Tribal Casinos?

Washington’s tribal casinos are beautiful properties that are frequently destination resorts that offer a great experience. Western Summit Group Gaming offers an experience that is smaller and more neighborly. Our guests can park 20 feet from the door, meet co-workers for happy hour, and have a more intimate, social experience. We are another option for people to come together that is also committed to participating as a member of the local community who knows you and what is going on in the neighborhood. As required by federal law, Washington’s tribal casinos are exclusively operated on tribal Lands following agreed-upon compacts negotiated directly between tribal and state governments. Cardrooms are non-tribal gaming options and are licensed and regulated by state government following an extensive criminal background check and other due diligence regulations before approving prospective operators.

Under current law, sports wagering is legal for Washington Tribes but not yet in commercial cardrooms like ours.

How Many Employees Do You Have, What Kinds of Jobs Do You Provide and What’s the Average Salary Benefits Package?

Western Summit Group Gaming employs 2,400 Washingtonians with average salary of $70,000 and a competitive benefits package. We were proud to support our team members when they joined the ranks of Teamsters 117. Over half of the cardrooms in Washington State are represented by Teamsters 117, which represents real benefits including access to healthcare and a secure retirement. At Western Summit Group Gaming, our goal is not only to be a good employer, but a good neighbor and an active member in the communities where we operate.

Isn’t Sports Betting Just Another Opportunity For People to Lose Their Money?

The vast majority of people who gamble do so safely and responsibly and we hope to offer them a fun time that does not threaten their well-being or risk their personal finances. Washington hosts a healthy gambling industry and a devoted and enthusiastic fan base for sports as well as national championships for several teams in recent years from the Seattle Storm (women’s professional basketball) and Seattle Sounders (major league soccer) to the Seattle Seahawks (major league football) and the Seattle Seawolves (major league rugby). As sports wagering increases in popularity across the country (currently offered in 30 states and Washington, D.C.), Western Summit Group Gaming supports legalization and regulation of sports betting in Washington for the limited number of existing cardrooms and racetracks, an opportunity for customers and businesses alike that generates tax revenue to be used in local communities.

Washington

Hello, We’re Western Summit Group Gaming

**Important Announcement: Closure of Locations**

WESTERN SUMMIT’S COMMITMENTS TO WASHINGTON

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Important Announcement: Closure of Locations