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Washington state compact likely approved

WASHINGTON – As reported by the Olympian: "A new state-tribal compact allowing tribes to own 8,100 more electronic-style slot machines is expected to win approval today from the state Gambling Commission.

"The proposal, which lets 27 tribes own up to 975 machines, received a favorable hearing Thursday before two committees of the Legislature. The pact also needs approval from Gov. Chris Gregoire and the federal Interior Department.

"Tribal leaders said the pact is part of a major improvement of life on reservations because of economic development that casinos have brought, and one tribal leader said the pact's added machines won't be easily noticed because the compact limits the number of sites where tribes can use the machines.

"…The pact ' known technically as Appendix X2, because it amends 27 tribal compacts similarly ' lets the tribes increase their ownership of electronic slot machines to 975 each, up from 675 today.

"…The compact deal also lets tribes set hours of operation ' even around-the-clock operations ' and raise betting to $20, up from $5, on a small percentage of machines…"

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