This week, the Snoqualmie Entertainment Authority started the construction of Casino Snoqualmie, which will become the closest tribal gambling venue to Seattle. The casino is located on a 56-acre land and will have approximately 170,000 square-feet of entertainment space.

The Tribe’s casino will offer punters 52 table games, 17 poker tables and 1,650 slot machines. It will also feature a 1,000-seat convention center, a luxurious cabaret/nightclub, five gourmet restaurants, four bars, a plush cigar lounge and a big parking lot with 2,000 spaces.

“Casino Snoqualmie will become the exclusive provider of casino entertainment to the Eastside and will draw people from throughout the region and beyond,” Michael Barozzi, Chief Executive Officer of Casino Snoqualmie said. “This will be a fun place where people can relax and enjoy themselves. With our convenient location and premier amenities, Casino Snoqualmie will create a new gold standard for entertainment.”

The construction project will be carried out by the internationally renowned firm Bergman, Walls & Associates and it will cost $235 million. The Snoqualmie Casino is expected to open in fall of 2008.