Tuesday, March 13, 2007

State gambling regulators have opened the door to more slot machines,
24-hour casinos, high-stakes games and more. Although the deal seems certain
to go through, Republicans in the Washington Legislature are voicing
concerns about the largest expansion of gambling in the state's history. By
a 5-3 vote, the Washington Gambling Commission approved a series of new
compacts with 27 tribes that will allow those tribes to draw more gamblers,
and also to draw a lot more of their money. But the pacts also place a limit
on the number of casinos and require tribes to help finance programs aimed
at problem gambling and smoking-cessation programs. The big expansion must
still be signed by Governor Christine Gregoire, but her approval is
expected. After her approval, the tribes will send them to the U.S. Interior
Department for approval. The entire process is expected to take about five
months.