Washington compacts get favorable hearing

Friday, March 9, 2007  

Washington tribes testified in favor of an expanded gaming compact before the state Gambling Commission on Thursday.

Tribes want to be able to offer up to 975 electronic gaming machines. The current limit is 675.

Tribes also want the ability to lease machines from one another. Those with urban-area casinos would be able to share revenues with rural tribes.

Under the agreement, tribes could offer higher payouts and operate their casinos 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They would also dedicate money towards problem-gambling programs and smoking cessation and prevention programs.

The Gambling Commission is likely to approve the compact today. It affects 27 tribes.

Get the Story:
Tribes downplay effects of slots compact (The Spokesman Review 3/9)
Slot machine increase likely (The Olympian 3/9)