Washington State Withdraws Proposed Gambling AgreementAs reported by the Tacoma News Tribune: "The state Gambling Commission withdrew its proposed gambling agreement with the Spokane Tribe on Thursday after Gov. Christine Gregoire told the commission she doesn't like the provisions that would let the tribe build off-reservation casinos and operate as many as 7,500 slot machines.
"Gregoire, who must approve any state gambling compact with a tribe before it is submitted to the federal government, told commissioners she wants them to reopen negotiations with the Spokanes. "…The Spokane Tribal Council approved the proposed compact in September. Two legislative committees and the Gambling Commission were to hold public hearings next month to hear feedback. "The proposed agreement would have greatly expanded tribal gaming in Washington in return for the Spokanes giving the state and local governments a portion of the profits. "…The governor specifically mentioned the number of slot machines the Spokanes could own under terms of the compact, the number they could lease from other tribes, and authorization for the tribe to possibly build a casino on land that is not part of its reservation. "Scott Crowell, the tribe's attorney on gaming issues, said he considers the governor's concerns merely another step in the negotiations…" | 
