ARLINGTON — The Stillaguamish Tribe’s Angel of the Winds Casino will be twice the size Sunday, Dec. 28, when its $44 million expansion opens with a ribbon cutting celebration.

The general manager of the casino, Travis O’Neil said the payroll will now exceed $12,000,000 annually due to the expansion, which doubles the casino’s number of full time employees to more than 600.

The expansion adds over 84,000 sq ft. to the original casino located two miles east of I-5 at exit 210 north of Arlington.

New additions for casino include a full service restaurant and lounge called The Watershed Restaurant & Lounge, a gift shop, more table games and a grand total of more than 1,000 slot machines.

In March, a new poker room, keno lounge and outdoor dining terrace will open. With the opening of the new addition, the original section will be closed for two months for a freshening up after four years of service. It will reopen in late February.

Angel of the Winds is known for being friendly and for its 99 cent menu.

The ribbon cutting is set for 11 a.m. Dec. 28 at 3438 Stoluckquamish Lane, off 35th Avenue NE between 236th Street and Kackman Road.

For information call 360-474-9740.