How gambling shapes lives in Whatcom County by rolling the odds

For many in Whatcom County, casinos are more than just a place to gamble. They are social hubs, spaces for excitement and sometimes, moments of personal satisfaction and relief. 

Casinos are dynamic establishments set to operate around the clock, though the three casinos in Whatcom County don’t all run 24/7. Silver Reef Casino operates nearly nonstop, while Slo Pitch Sports Grill & Casino and Northwood Casino typically close around 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. 

Inside, these establishments offer a blend of entertainment, gaming and hospitality. The interior design is particularly crafted to create an inviting experience for guests. From the vibrant lights of slot machines to the strategic layout of gaming tables, every element is designed to engage and captivate visitors.

Among the people who visit casinos to try their luck is Brien McCracken, an active casino guest who often interacts with other patrons, including assisting or engaging with them during games.

“Just the other night, I went into the cash cube for an elderly lady who was scared to go into it,” McCracken said, “I actually did well for her as I won her over $1,100. She was grateful and offered me some, but I declined. It was fun seeing how excited she was.” 

Games such as cash cubes are arcade games in the form of an enclosure, where paper money is blown through the air while the participant attempts to catch the money. They are also known as a money booth, and are a fast, overstimulating kind of thrill.

Terrance Wallace, another casino guest, emphasizes the recreational side of gambling. “What I like about casino visits, to me, it’s more like a relaxation just to get away and give time to yourself and have fun doing it,” Wallace said.

Sports betting has changed the casino experience in Washington State. It began under tribal gaming compacts in March 2020, and the first legal bet was placed in September 2021. Since then, casinos, including Silver Reef Casino Resort, Snoqualmie Casino and Tulalip Resort Casino, have opened in-person sportsbooks, where guests can place bets on a variety of sports events. 

The Washington State Gambling Commission regulates these operations under state-tribal agreements, which means sports betting is only allowed on tribal land, not online statewide. This creates a unique system where local tribal casinos hold exclusive rights to sports wagering, adding another layer to the casino entertainment culture. 

Meanwhile, casino life for those working inside the corporation offers a different kind of gamble. Dual rate supervisor Meriam Villaver (part-time slot attendant and part-time supervisor) at Northwood Casino shared that while the environment is lively, it can also be demanding. “The casino life for people who work here most days of the week is tiring and exhausting,” Villaver said.

“My responsibility includes prioritizing jackpot payments, coordinating guest service solutions, training attendants and addressing safety issues while upholding casino policies.” Villaver said. “People’s view of the casino can be good or bad, retirees just want to play and have fun, but for others gambling can be an addiction which can become a problem, so it’s both good and bad.” 

Silver Reef in Ferndale also offers unique insights into the gambling experience. Collin Totten, a casual visitor, shares, “I like to go to Silver Reef Casino with a bunch of friends because when you go with people, it’s relaxing,” Totten said. “You go on your day off, get a few drinks, and try to win a lot of money.” 

Totten recalled a memorable night at Silver Reef around 4 a.m., when he played the Triple Fortune Dragon slot machine and received multiple bonuses. He described it as one of his happiest experiences at the casino, winning a significant amount of money.

While Totten hasn't tried sports betting yet, he’s curious. He also acknowledges the lessons learned about responsible gambling. “You could spend too much, it’s not smart to think you’re going to the casino to make money,” Totten said. 

Beyond individual experiences, gambling in Whatcom County has broader economic and social implications. According to an article by the Spectrum Gaming Report, Washington State gambling generated approximately $2.7 billion in net receipts in 2015. Tribal casinos account for the majority of this revenue. 

While the data does not include county-specific figures, the data highlights how gambling plays a significant role in the state’s economy. Whatcom County casinos contribute to local tourism, cross-border commerce and tribal revenue, attracting guests from nearby communities and Canada. Yet, behind the flashing lights and busy tables lies a more complex reality.

According to Eric Weber, poker room manager at Slo Pitch Casino, gambling culture in Bellingham is as much about community as it is about chance. “We have a family-like atmosphere here,” Weber said. “You see the same faces every day, and it becomes more than just a workplace; it's a social environment."

Still, Weber acknowledged that not every experience ends on a positive note. “There are times when players lose more than they can afford. You get to know these people personally, so it’s hard to watch them lose all their money, but you can only encourage them to play responsibly.” Weber said.

While managers like Weber focus on maintaining a safe and welcoming environment, the experience of frontline workers reveals another side of casino life. A cocktail server, Isabel Dominguez, at Northwood Casino in Lynden, described how the job can be both rewarding and challenging. She noted that Northwood still allows indoor smoking, which made her first months of the job difficult. “It was giving me headaches; it gets really bad, but I got used to it,” Dominguez said. 

She also recalled dealing with uncomfortable interactions from some older male guests. “There are people that are weird, like old men look at you weird or try to say things that are uncomfortable, but when that happens you have to alert security or let your manager know.” 

While Dominguez highlighted the challenges of the frontline work, Totten, a supervisor at Nooksack, offers a perspective from behind the slot machine floor. Having spent time as a guest at Silver Reef, Totten also oversees operations and interacts with players most days of the week. His role allows him to observe both the excitement and the risks of gambling firsthand, bridging the gap between the management and player experience.

Totten explains how he enjoys introducing new machines and watching players engage with the games. “We’re always putting in new machines, so that’s something I look forward to,” Totten said. “The energy is always positive, and everyone’s super close and friendly, which is why I love working at Northwood.”

According to the Washington State Problem Gambling Program, gambling-related harms can include financial strain and mental health challenges such as stress or anxiety. State-funded initiatives offer prevention, treatment and referral services aimed at reducing the negative impacts of problem gambling and increasing public awareness of responsible play.

For individuals seeking support or information about responsible gaming, the Washington State Gambling Help and Gamblers Anonymous websites provide confidential resources and guidance.

“Play within your limits. Think of it as an entertainment experience, just like spending money to go to the movies or out for dinner,” Weber said. “It’s fun, social, and engaging, but it’s important to enjoy responsibly.”

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