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Washington Tribal Split Threatens Gaming

WASHINGTON – As reported by the Puget Sound Business Journal: "Controversial negotiations between the state and the Spokane Tribe of Indians are threatening to fundamentally change Washington tribes' most successful business enterprise -- casino gaming.

"Observers say the Spokane Tribe wants a dramatically different deal that could alter the state's tribal gaming industry. The proposal is also opening a fissure in the usually unified community of 29 federally recognized tribes statewide.

"And some fear the Spokanes' proposal could lead to increased competition among tribes or a proliferation of tribal gambling machines, raising the odds of a public backlash.

"…For years now, Washington tribes have parlayed a series of compacts with the state government into a booming casino business.

"All but one of Washington's federally recognized tribes that run gaming facilities have agreed to operate a large but limited number of electronic slot machines in return for small payments to local governments and nonprofits.

"The Spokanes recently reached a tentative agreement with the state that included three controversial elements: aggressive revenue sharing, substantially higher numbers of electronic slot machines than other tribal casinos, and the ability to add off-reservation gambling operations.

"The backlash was immediate, and for the time being derailed the plan. The Skokomish Tribe promptly applied to renegotiate its own compact, saying Washington policy had apparently changed and the tribe wanted to be able to respond. Other tribes contacted the Spokane Tribe and legislators privately to lodge objections. Groups opposed to further gambling expansion and nontribal casinos concerned about competition publicly opposed the proposed deal…"

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