2/14/08

Expansion planned for Stilly casino

by Beckye Randall

Construction on a grand scale has begun at Angel of the Winds Casino in Arlington. The casino’s current footprint of 22,000 square feet will increase to a generous 84,000 square feet by the end of the year, according to general manager Travis O’Neil.

“Of course, we’ll still be the world’s friendliest casino,” O’Neil assured, “but our guests will find many more amenities when the expansion is complete.”

Planning has been underway for more than a year, with the expansion anticipated to be completed by December 2008.

The addition, which will more than triple the casino’s current size, will allow for the addition of a private poker room with eight tables, a dedicated Keno area and a gift shop. To complement the existing deli café, a full-service restaurant will provide gamers with a quiet oasis for dining. A 50-seat bar, complete with an entertainment stage, will offer a cozy place to relax or watch a game.

The interior design features a rustic lodge feeling, complete with massive timbers and stone fireplaces. The warm environment is intended to make guests feel welcome and comfortable.

“We believe the improvements will make Angel of the Winds a real destination spot, a place where locals and visitors alike will come for fun, excitement and entertainment,” said O’Neil.

In fact, casino management has targeted a 30 percent increase in customer count, primarily in the evenings. They also plan to double their employment opportunities and are planning new staff facilities as part of the expansion.

The increased space allows room for more slot machines and O’Neil estimates the number of machines will hit the 1,000 mark. “The Stillaguamish Tribe, like other Native American tribes, is allotted an inventory of 375 slot machines by the state. We lease additional equipment from tribal groups without casinos, allowing them to share in the gaming income.”

The Angel of the Winds Casino is situated on 20 acres of tribal trust land off 35th W. in rural Arlington.

“We’ve worked very hard to be good neighbors to the people in the area,” said O’Neil. During last winter’s storms and power outages, the casino’s management invited locals to stay warm in their building, powered by generators.

To address any negative impacts associated with the casino, the Stillaguamish Tribe has set aside funds for community grants. See the accompanying story under Business News for more details.