If other Washington tribes succeed in getting the liberalized gambling rules
that are part of a new state agreement with the Spokane Indian Tribe, it
could set off a new round of expansion for the 25 Washington state tribal
casinos that generated about $1.2 billion in net receipts in 2006. In a
prepared statement, Lummi Nation chairwoman Evelyn Jefferson said the tribe
prefers not to comment on its negotiations with the state on gambling
issues. But she also noted that Lummi Nation’s gambling agreement “allows
incorporation of new features that other tribes have gained through
negotiations with the state.” The Lummis expanded their Silver Reef Casino
last year, adding more gaming machines and a hotel. Silver Reef’s current
total of 675 machines is the maximum allowed under the existing compact, but
that could change if the Spokanes get permission to operate a larger number
of machines. Mike Wootan, general manager of the Nooksack Indian Tribe’s
Nooksack River Casino, said he could not speak for the tribe. But he thinks
some features of the Spokane agreement would be welcome at the Nooksack
casino.
The 2,300-member Spokane Tribe is the only tribe in Washington state that
still operates gambling casinos without a compact – a deal between the tribe
and the state that limits gambling operations. The proposed Spokane compact,
worked out between the tribe and Washington Gambling Commission staff, needs
the approval of that commission, Gov. Chris Gregoire and the U.S. Department
of the Interior. Rick Day, executive director of the gambling commission,
said it’s important for both the state and the tribe to get Spokane gambling
out of legal limbo. The deal will make it easier for the tribe to arrange
financing of new gambling development, while the state gets some limits on
the tribe’s gambling growth, Day said.