Republican lawmakers in Washington will introduce bills to allow non-Indian card rooms to offer slot machines.

The bills will authorize up to 7,875 machines slot machines at 60 card rooms. Republicans estimate that expanded gaming will bring in $160 million next fiscal year and $380 million in the subsequent two years, The Seattle Times reports.

"This to me seems like a pretty lucrative option," Rep. Gary Alexander, ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, told the paper.

Tribes will fight the legislation, Brian Cladoosby, the chairman of the Swinomish Tribe, told the paper. He noted that voters rejected an expansion of non-Indian gaming in 2004.

"Washington voters have spoken loud and clear that they are comfortable with this kind of gaming being limited in tribal facilities, and I would hope they would look at those past votes," Cladoosby told the paper.

Gov. Chris Gregoire (D) also doesn't support an expansion of gaming -- either on or off the reservation. She won't renegotiate existing Class III gaming compacts because she doesn't think the state has anything to offer in exchange.

"The court cases have been real clear about that. I don't know what I have to give them, other than unfettered gaming," Gregoire told the paper. She said she doesn't support unrestricted gaming compacts.

Get the Story:
GOP sees expanded gambling as state budget solution (The Seattle Times 12/6)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Washington tribes should share their casino revenues (12/5)
Ron Allen: Tribal gaming revenues go to government programs (12/2)