Editorial: Washington tribes should share more casino revenue

Monday, December 5, 2011  

"The tribes netted about $1.7 billion in gaming receipts in 2009, by far the lion’s share of the $2.2 billion total for all gaming operations in Washington. Of the tribal share, by law, $6.5 million went to local governments, $7.8 million to charities, and another $3 million to smoking cessation and problem gambling programs. The more prosperous tribal casinos – Northern Quest among them – give more, some to tribes without gaming operations.

Still, roughly $20 million out of $1.7 billion seems awfully modest. The state gets nothing directly, but it does collect sales taxes on activities associated with casino construction and operations.

The tribes have been approached about further revenue sharing. Many allege, but Alexander denies, that the new legislation is intended only to force the tribes to give up a more generous portion of their revenues."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Casino-rich tribes might be shrewd to share more (The Spokesman Review 12/3)