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Washington State May See Casino Money

AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Washington – As reported by the Seattle Times: "On this ground nearly 150 years ago, the Spokane Tribe of Indians fought for its life in a bloody battle that would be its last with the U.S. Army.

"…The casino deal, if approved, could for the first time guarantee the state of Washington a share of tribal gambling proceeds.

"…Indian casinos have long dominated legalized gambling in Washington — they're the only ones allowed by the state to operate the popular electronic slot machines. Each casino operates under an agreement with the state called a compact.

"The Washington State Gambling Commission is now negotiating what would be its first-ever compact with the Spokane Tribe.

"If a deal is struck, the state not only would gain a new source of gambling revenue, but it could be a model for new profit-sharing compacts with other tribes, said Rick Day, the commission's executive director.

"The commission's staff and the Spokanes came close to a deal earlier this month. It would have given the state up to 35 percent of net tribal gambling proceeds.

"But a firestorm of protest scotched the deal. Gov. Christine Gregoire met with Spokane tribal Chairman Greg Abrahamson on Wednesday to tell him the proposal needs more work…"

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