A new casino sign for the times

SUQUAMISH — After this weekend, motorists passing the Suquamish tribe’s Clearwater Casino can see what’s going on on the big screen.

Workers were busy Thursday preparing the foundation for the new sign expected to be up this weekend. The sign is about 9-feet lower than the current sign and features new technology, Clearwater officials said.

“The current sign is too difficult to see. You have to strain your neck to see it,” said Russell Steele, CEO for Port Madison Enterprises.

The five-year old sign was removed from its post outside the casino after five years of service. Officials said the lease on the sign had run out and it was time to change with the times.

The new sign has a large screen and the casino has the capability of doing live broadcasts of shows. But most likely messages about upcoming events will be posted there said Steven Buechler, poker manager and marketing representative.

The sign has nothing to do with the planned expansion of the Clearwater Casino, officials said. It was a matter of lease agreements. Officials would not disclose the amount paid for the sign, but said it was manufactured by Young Electric Sign Company, which specializes in casino signs.

Besides a new sign, casino-goers will also notice 51 new slot machines that were installed in mid-December. The casino will also have six “Wheel of Fortune” machines as well as 32 additional machines. These are expected to be installed by Feb. 1 and bring the total of machines up to 425.

“We are responding to what people have asked for,” Buechler said referring to the new slots.

“People in Washington are getting more knowledgeable and sophisticated about the type of machines they want.”

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