Gaming News

Washington City Lobbies for Gambling Zoning

LAKEWOOD, Washington – As reported by the Tacoma News Tribune: "…Lakewood officials have struggled for six months to restrict adult entertainment to one part of town. Now they're back to lobbying the Legislature for the right to zone another vice: gambling.

"…A bill moving through the Legislature would give cities the right to limit where gambling is allowed. It would modify Washington's all-or-nothing policy that forces local authorities to make a choice: Prohibit minicasinos entirely and give up millions of dollars in sales tax revenue, or allow them to open anywhere.

"The city's first of two minicasinos opened in 1998, and the businesses bring in about $1.7 million in tax revenue annually. Two proposed minicasinos have filed applications in the past two years.

"…Those applications have officials and residents fearing that the city could turn into a haven for gambling because it lacks the authority to restrict where such businesses can operate.

"…The Washington State Gambling Commission, however, opposes the bill, contending that giving local governments the authority to zone could result in corruption and favoritism, as well as an explosion of new minicasinos.

"…Lakewood has pressed for the right to zone gambling since June 2002, when the Grand Central Casino and the Golden Nugget announced plans to join the Jimmy G's minicasino, then the only gaming hall in the city…"

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