Is Emerald Queen Casino Smoke Free
If you’ve ever walked through a casino doors and immediately been hit by a wall of cigarette smoke, you know exactly why this question matters. For players with asthma, allergies, or just a preference for fresh air, the smoking policy can make or break a gaming trip. So let’s cut to the chase: the answer is complicated. Emerald Queen Casino operates two distinct locations in Washington State, and their policies differ. One is completely non-smoking, while the other maintains a more traditional approach. Knowing which is which before you plan your visit saves you from a headache—literally.
Two Locations, Two Different Policies
The Puyallup Tribe operates two Emerald Queen properties, and they aren't interchangeable. The older riverboat-style casino in Tacoma and the newer, land-based replacement have vastly different atmospheres. This is where most of the confusion stems from.
The New Tacoma Location: A Breath of Fresh Air
The $370 million land-based Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, which opened its doors to replace the aging riverboat, is strictly non-smoking. This was a deliberate design choice by the Puyallup Tribe. The ventilation systems are built for comfort, not for battling tobacco haze. For players who hate the stale smell of cigarettes clinging to their clothes after a session at the slots, this is the venue you want. The air quality difference is immediately noticeable the moment you step onto the gaming floor. It creates a cleaner, brighter environment that appeals to a modern demographic of players who prioritize health and comfort.
The Fife Property: Traditional Gaming Atmosphere
The Fife location is a different story. This property, which previously served as the tribe’s main gaming hub, still allows smoking in designated areas. While they have invested in ventilation, the reality of a smoking casino is that the smell permeates. If you are sensitive to smoke, the Fife location might not offer the experience you are looking for. It caters to players who prefer to light up while they play, a demographic that still represents a significant portion of the land-based casino market. The key takeaway here is simple: if you want a guarantee of smoke-free air, you must head to the new Tacoma facility.
Why Washington State Casinos Are Going Smoke-Free
This shift isn't happening in a vacuum. Washington State has some of the strictest smoking laws in the country. The Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking in public places and places of employment. However, tribal casinos operate on sovereign land, which technically exempts them from state mandates. Despite this legal freedom, many tribes in the region, including the Puyallup, are choosing to go smoke-free voluntarily.
This decision is driven by market demand. The American Gaming Association has noted a trend where non-smoking casinos often see increased visitation from demographics that previously avoided gaming floors—specifically younger players and women. The maintenance costs also drop significantly when a property goes non-smoking; carpets, machines, and furnishings last longer without the corrosive effects of tar and smoke residue. It’s a business calculation as much as a health one.
Comparing Smoke-Free Options in Washington
Emerald Queen isn’t the only player in town making changes. If you are looking for a smoke-free gaming experience in Washington, you have options. It helps to see how the major venues stack up against each other.
| Casino | Location | Smoking Policy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Queen (New) | Tacoma | 100% Non-Smoking | State-of-the-art facility |
| Emerald Queen (Fife) | Fife | Smoking Allowed | Designated areas only |
| Ilani Casino | Ridgefield | 100% Non-Smoking | Large gaming floor |
| Angel of the Winds | Arlington | Non-Smoking | Expanded non-smoking sections |
What About Vaping and E-Cigarettes?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can sneak a vape in the non-smoking Tacoma location. The policy covers all forms of combustion and vaporization. The Puyallup Tribe treats e-cigarettes, vape pens, and similar devices the same as traditional tobacco products. Security is strict about this. If you need to use your device, you will have to step outside the building. Attempting to vape on the floor usually results in a quick tap on the shoulder from security. The rules are enforced to maintain the air quality that the venue markets itself on.
Playing From Home: The Ultimate Smoke-Free Experience
For players who want total control over their environment, online casinos in Washington remain a grey area. The state has not legalized real-money online casinos like you find in New Jersey or Pennsylvania. However, social casinos and sweepstakes models are popular alternatives. If you travel to states where online gambling is legal, you have access to major operators like BetMGM, DraftKings Casino, and FanDuel Casino. These platforms offer the obvious benefit of playing in your own living room, where you set the rules regarding air quality, dress code, and refreshments.
For Washington residents, the closest legal option for real-money online play involves crossing the border into Oregon or Idaho for sports betting apps, or simply visiting the tribal properties. Until state legislation changes, the land-based casinos like the smoke-free Emerald Queen in Tacoma remain the primary option for legal gaming.
Amenities Beyond The Gaming Floor
Even if you love the gaming action, you might want a break from the tables. The smoke-free environment at the Tacoma location extends to its restaurants and bars. This is a significant upgrade from the old riverboat days, where smoke often drifted from the casino floor into dining areas. At the new EQC, you can enjoy a meal at the Fife location's restaurants or grab a drink without worrying about second-hand smoke drifting over your food. It makes the property more viable for events, concerts, and conferences, which the tribe actively courts. A concert at the EQC Tacoma is a much more pleasant experience for non-smokers than similar events at venues that allow lighting up indoors.
FAQ
Can I smoke on the outdoor patios at Emerald Queen?
Yes, designated outdoor smoking areas are available at both the Tacoma and Fife locations. You must exit the gaming floor to access these patios. The indoor non-smoking policy strictly applies to the enclosed gaming spaces and restaurants.
Is the old Emerald Queen riverboat still open?
No, the historic riverboat casino permanently closed when the new land-based facility in Tacoma opened. The new building was constructed specifically to replace the aging vessel, offering modern amenities and a strictly non-smoking environment.
Do I need to bring ID to enter Emerald Queen Casino?
Yes, valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry. Security guards check identification at the door to ensure all guests are 21 years of age or older. This applies to both the Tacoma and Fife properties.
Are there hotel rooms available at the non-smoking location?
Currently, the EQC Hotel is connected to the Fife property, where smoking is permitted on the casino floor. However, the hotel rooms themselves are non-smoking. The new Tacoma location does not have an attached hotel yet, though there are plans for future expansion.
Does the smoke-free policy affect poker tournaments?
The poker room at the new Tacoma location operates in a completely smoke-free environment. This is a major draw for tournament players who prefer long sessions without exposure to smoke. The Fife location also offers poker but operates under its standard smoking policy.