Spokane Slot Machine Deal Facts

The Spokane Tribe of Washington is attempting to have a compact signed with the state that would allow additional slot machines as well as other benefits. Some are concerned that the new compact would anger the other tribes, for they have had legal compacts with the state for a long time and they are not currently getting the number of slot machines that the tribe has asked for. They are also concerned that there would be problems as the tribe has never signed a compact with the state before, and yet here they come asking for a long list of things that the other 27 tribes in the state don’t have.

However, for all the talk, not many know what is contained in the compact besides the fact that the tribe wants to add a significant number of slot machines. Here are the bare bones facts:

1. The compact would allow the Spokane Tribe to bring in a maximum of 4,700 slot machines at their casinos
2. They could also have up to 2,000 slot machines at one casino. The current number of slot machines allowed is almost 700.
3. A maximum of 75 gaming tables at one particular casino, with a maximum of 50 at their other ones.
4. Bets of up to $20 on some of the slot machines, and the slot machines will take cash instead of cards or paper tickets.
5. High stakes betting to be allowed for high rollers at a couple of their tables in one of their casinos. It would also be contingent upon each of those high rollers having gone through a screening process.

The tribe would have to give payments from their slot machine revenue to local governments, as well as local charities. They would also have to assist in paying for gambling addiction services, and if the casinos are not smoke free – they have to pay for anti-smoking ads as well.


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