Washington Gambling Commission in further tribal compact amendments

Washington

The Washington State Gambling Commission has struck another pair of tentative agreements regarding amendments to sports wagering compacts, this time with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Snoqualmie Indian Tribe.

These become the third and fourth alliances struck, following agreements with the Tulalip Tribes and Suquamish Tribe, and would allow the Kalispel and Snoqualmie tribe’s to offer sports wagering at the Northern Quest Casino and Snoqualmie Casino, respectively.

“On behalf of the Snoqualmie Tribe, we would like to thank the State administrators and casino team members who contributed to the Washington sports wagering regulatory framework,” said Robert de los Angeles. Snoqualmie Tribal chairman

“We look forward to providing this exciting new gaming offering to our loyal casino patrons, which will allow us to expand our tribal programs and community partnerships.”

The next steps will see legislative hearings held in the Senate Labor, Commerce, and Tribal Affairs and House Commerce and Gaming Committees.

The WSGC will then view and vote on the compact amendment on June 10, 2021, which if approved, will be followed by the official signing by the tribal chair and governor. 

Once signed by both, the tribe will send the amendment to the Secretary of the United States Department of Interior for consideration and publication in the Federal Register. The compact amendment is not final, and sports wagering cannot begin, until this is achieved.

“This agreement ensures sports wagering will be conducted with the highest integrity while protecting the public by keeping gambling legal and honest,” added Bud Sizemore, Washington State Gambling Commission chair. “I appreciate the tribe and state’s cooperative and thoughtful approach on this agreement.”