Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel named Tribal Gaming Operator of the Year

WORLEY — The Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel was named “Tribal Gaming Operator of the Year” on May 14 at the SBC Americas Awards held at Hard Rock Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.  

"SBC Awards Americas honors the outstanding companies representing the gaming and betting industry in North America and Latin America," a press release said.

The Tribal Operator of the Year award “honors the company that demonstrated exceptional achievements across multiple areas, including operational excellence, market growth, branding expertise, innovation, commitment to responsible gaming, and dedication to tribal community development,” read a statement from SBC Americas.

Innovation helped Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel earn Operator of the Year distinction.

Research-driven decisions were made to bring in new, unique casino amenities like Aescape massage, a new addition to the casino’s Spa Ssakwa’q’n (Sock-wah-kin).  

While traditional massages remain on the spa menu for those who prefer human touch, Aescape delivers an automated, customizable experience using AI technology that appeals to those who prefer solitude, privacy and controlling things like where the massage is applied, the level of pressure applied to various areas of the body and more.

Another innovative investment by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, which owns and operates the casino, is Circling Raven Golf Suites, a sports-bar-like social venue where individuals and groups can play virtual golf year-round and other sports games. 

With food and beverage, merchandise, televisions and video gaming machines, the unique amenity taps into the substantial growth occurring in the number of people playing non-traditional forms of golf in America, which has exploded nationally according to the National Golf Foundation (NGF).

The Golf Suites complement and are an extension of Circling Raven Golf Club. With the golf club closed from November through March, the Golf Suites enable year-round play while also bringing in more and new visitors to the casino.

With the introduction of Discovery Den, Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel is the only casino in the Northwest to be used as a testing location by leading manufacturers for new video gaming machines. Guests get the opportunity to play these games first — sometimes exclusively nationwide — and help determine which ones will remain based on user feedback through their play. Discovery Den sees new arrivals every quarter with a complete refresh of video gaming machines.

Customer satisfaction and community development are other factors that were weighed by SBC Americas Awards’ judges. 

"The casino has made life better for Tribal members and area residents," the press release said. "It has donated more than $36.5 million to educational institutions and programs, as well as other entities that support community members dealing with cancer, homelessness, hunger, and those who need help through the holidays."

“Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel is humbled to be named the Tribal Gaming Operator of the Year,” said Laura Penney, CEO. “We strive to provide excellent service, top-notch entertainment, and a variety of leisure experiences for our valued patrons. It’s gratifying to see that the research and investment we put into achieving our operational objectives has been recognized as best-in-class by casino industry leaders.”