The Nooksack Northwood Casino has reinstated Vegas- style table games, also classified as Class III table games, after a nearly four-year absence. Table games such as poker, craps, roulette and blackjack have now been included at the Nooksack Tribe’s casino. Up until now, the casino only offered Class II games like bingo.
This comes after the state of Washington and the tribe negotiated an amendment to their existing 1991 gaming compact last year. The new amendment allows the Nooksack Tribe to establish two gaming facilities located on Nooksack Tribal Lands for the operation of Class III games. The new gaming facilities will operate in conjunction with the other tribal gaming operations.
Northwood Casino New Amendment Details
Further updates in the document ask that the tribe come up with revised problem/responsible gaming programs, update its community contributions mandate, revise the state law to align with the provisions of the new compact, and also request that the compact be reviewed on a more frequent basis going forward.
In addition, Nooksack Northwood Casino will now be required to contribute 0.07% of its net earnings toward the funding of programs designed to counter problem gambling and promote responsible gambling. This includes donating a certain amount for the treatment of gambling addiction by non-tribal members, another amount will go towards in-patient treatment facilities, and two more lump sums will be invested in gambling addiction studies and responsible gaming policy.
Previous Financial Struggles
The Tribes Nooksack River Casino, together with Nooksack Northwood Casino, did offer Class III gaming in the past, but the games were removed, and both facilities were forced to temporarily shut down in 2015 and 2017, respectively. This is after they suffered financial problems. Nooksack Northwood Casino suffered additional backlash for supposedly violating the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Both casinos only offered Class II gaming once they reopened some time after the closure.
Class II and Class III Gaming
The gaming industry in question can be classified into three groups. Class I, Class II and Class III. Class I gaming refers to social games that offer prizes of minimal value. It can also refer to traditional forms of Indian gaming that are enjoyed at tribal ceremonies and celebrations. Class II gaming is overseen by the Federal Government and is limited to games like bingo and other card games where gamblers compete against each other. Class III gaming, now offered by Nooksack Northwood Casino, includes Las Vegas-style games like slot machines, blackjack, and poker. Class III gaming is by far the most exciting group out of the three.
Nooksack Northwood Casino Facilities
The casino, located on Northwood Road, Lynden, Washington, was first opened in 2007 and features over 400 gaming machines. It also has three dining restaurants. The casino is open seven days a week and has a gambling age limit of 18 years.
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