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Spokane tribe promotes slots

OLYMPIA, Washington – As reported by the Spokesman-Review: "After more than a decade of court fights and a year of negotiation, Spokane tribal members told skeptical lawmakers Tuesday, an agreement allowing the Spokanes up to 4,700 slot-style machines at five sites would be a good deal for both the tribe and region.

"The plan is a sign of a 'new and positive relationship' between the state and tribe, tribal secretary Gerald Nicodemus told lawmakers.

"Some lawmakers, however, didn't sound so positive. They say the deal is too generous to the Spokanes, the only remaining gambling tribe in Washington without a state agreement. The state has long maintained that the tribe's existing slot machines in its casinos in Chewelah and north of Davenport are illegal.

"…The agreement, if approved by the governor and federal government, would not grant the tribe the right to develop a new casino on part of 145 acres of off-reservation land it owns near Airway Heights. That's a separate decision that will start with federal officials and include the governor and Spokane County…"

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