Spokane Tribe Compact Signed

In a move that surprised many, the Governor of Washington signed a compact with the Spokane Tribe – a group that has run illegal gambling for years within the state. Many thought that the tribe would not be allowed to get everything they were asking for because they had been running illegal slot machines for years, due to the fact that they were unable to come to an agreement on a compact years ago.

However, many thought that Governor Gregoire would not sign the compact, as it would open the door for the other tribes within the state to demand more as well. Now that Gregoire signed it, the other tribes have proposed changes in their compacts as well. They want thousands more slot machines, and the ability for them to take cash. They also want to increase the betting limits from $5 to $20. If approved, the state would be looking at more than 25,000 additional slot machines.

Those that have non-tribal gambling businesses say that by signing the compacts, the state has literally just helped them go out of business. They say that they cannot compete with that kind of firepower. They say that they have not been able to break into the business in the way the Indians run it, because they have a monopoly on the slot machines.

This agreement marks the first time the state has done an across the board increase in slot machines since 1999. The amount that the tribes would be allowed to increase would be up 48%, to bring in thousands more slot machines.




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