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Possible Tribal Casino Worries Tavern Owners

MOSES LAKE, Washington – As reported by the Columbia Basin Herald: "The tribes are interested, the city is quiet and the tavern owners are irate.

"Otherwise, nothing is for certain in the possibility of a sale of Moses Pointe resorts to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

"On April 20, representatives from the tribes, including Joseph Pakootas, chairman of the Colville business Council, and Hank Raymond, grant writer for the planning department of the confederated tribes, met with city officials such as City Manager Joe Gavinski, Mayor Ron Covey and Community Development Director Gilbert Alvarado.

"The meeting, described by both sides as professional and cordial, was meant to inform city authorities of the tribes' interest in the resort, which Raymond said has been for sale for two and a half years, at a price of $27.7 million.

"…While Gavinski has said it's premature to worry too much yet, tavern owners have already expressed their concerns about having a casino around, especially one that does not pay taxes. Calling it 'unfair competition' they met earlier this month at Papa's Casino to discuss their position with regards to the possible newcomers.

"Tavern owners are concerned about a tribal casino bringing types of gambling they can't offer, namely slot machines, which they say is mostly what people want to do when they come to an establishment of that kind. Also, they point out the $1.5 million they paid in gambling tax receipts they paid in the past five years, and say the tribes would pay nothing…"

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