(Excerpts from TripAdvisor.com review 9/28/2022)

Emerald Queen Casino has 2 locations along the I-5 highway in Tacoma, Washington. There is probably a story behind why to casinos were built so close together by the same Puyallup tribe, but I evaluated both sites for their aesthetics: how does it feel to play there.

The Emerald Queen Casino (Tacoma) was renovated in 2020. It used to be flat and long to walk through. I remember the main problem was hunting for open spots in large parking lots. It has improved considerably. Firstly, it has several parking garages. Well-lit with uniformed security patrolling each floor. You still may have to walk a little but at least your car is covered from the Seattle weather. Outside the main detraction was a pot dispensary across the street which will not be reviewed.

Getting in you have elevators and escalators to take you to entry points. Every casino was doing strict ID checks before you could enter. Inside the casino was well lit with high ceiling décor. Smoking was allowed, so a high ceiling helps take the smoke away, and they did have non-smoking machine sections. The high limit area had its own mini deli for food purchases there. Emerald Queen has allied itself with MGM for sports betting and had BETMGM service there, and a spacious sports lounge and bar together.

Their theater was new and clean and there were major acts performing there but tickets were not free. Sometimes they have a “free” show but there are Ticketmaster fees so …. Hotel rates are a little up there, but it is new and modern.

The casino floor had many table games, and it wasn’t too hard to go from one game to another. I think they had eight Roulette tables running at one time which might be a record. Craps table had the “Fire” bonus bet. Players club does have a daily spin offering for free points and comps you can take advantage of. I got 2 free t-shirts and a bunch of candy from the gift shop. The Players Club levels were kind of steep – going from the basic level (0) to the next level you had to earn 50000 points. But for about a week of visits I earned about 10000 points with Craps and my system on Roulette.

Overall, I would recommend visiting Emerald Queen in Tacoma for a visit.

The Emerald Queen across the highway in Fife is a different story. Outside it has a dated look. Like it’s been a while anyone has been inside it. But I took a chance. Its in a slightly depressed area. It’s more than a mile from that pot store I told you about and about a block away is a plasma bank, so that never bodes well for the look of a business.

It has a parking lot outside, and yes you have find a spot and walk a-ways to get in. Entering the checkpoint, you choose between nonsmoking and smoking gaming.  Going inside the décor is dark and dated (like from the 70s) with low ceilings you can jump up and touch. Doesn’t matter what side you’re on you smell smoke. The casino only has slots machines in Emerald Queen Fife. And the slot machines are the same you can find in cleaner casinos.

Unless the traffic on I-5 strands you at that casino I would avoid Emerald Queen Fife (not kidding about the I-5 traffic). I wish Fife would change their name. EQC Tacoma is an improvement and Fife drags down their reputation.

More casino reviews to come. Good luck #BreakingRoulette