Tribal Casinos in Washington About to Get Sports Betting Rights

Seminole tribes in Washington cannot catch a break as new developments keep emerging around the sports betting compact. Recently, two casino operators filed a lawsuit opposing the development, but now the tribes are back on track. Recently, Governor Jay Inslee signed an agreement with 15 tribes, allowing them to conduct sports betting at tribal casinos.

With this, Las Vegas lost the monopoly privileges on legalized sports wagering. There are seven states that offer legalized betting, and now Washington is the eighth one. The bill marking the law was signed back in March 2020.

Governor Inslee stated that the development would help the masses participate in new gaming activities with tribes’ security and regulation. 

Here are the fifth tribes that received the approval to run tribal casinos: The Colville, Jamestown S’Klallam, Cowlitz, Lummi, Kalispel, Puyallup, Muckleshoot, Spokane, Shoalwater Bay, Snoqualmie, Stillaguamish, Squaxin Island, Suquamish, Tulalip, and Swinomish tribes.

Come Thursday, and the state will allow Skokomish Lucky Dog to become the 16th to conduct sports betting. Tom Strong (Vice-Chair of Skokomish Tribe Council) commented on the situation, stating that the tribe comprises a relatively small casino. Therefore, the casino is looking to get additional offerings and let the patrons know these things are limited. 

After the governor signs the agreement, the final step will involve getting permission from the Secretary of the Interior. Casinos across the state are hoping for quick approval as most of them are ready to deploy their proceedings. For example, Puyallup Tribe’s Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, has set up gambling parlors to offer to users.

Rebecca George (Washington IGA’s Executive Director) stated that gambling enthusiasts are excited about the development. Authorities have worked hard to get sports betting legalized in the state. She added that tribes and the IGA are delighted about the tribal chairs and Governor Inslee signing the compact this week. The amendment is getting 70% support, allowing it to pass through the WSGC unanimously. With the governor’s office showing full support to the compact, the gaming system will get a responsible, secure, and regulated upgrade. It all works out well for both the state and the players.

Sports betting was strictly prohibited in the state previously, and the tribes have been working for years to get it legalized. There are state, federal, and tribal government regulations. The IGA is working with the authorities and most regulated industries in the nation. Now that sports betting is legalized, the generated revenue will be used in the state. In addition, it will create job opportunities and perks across the state.

The tribes want the rules to be fully implemented before the NFL 2021 season arrives. The timeline for compact negotiations and amendments is not decided yet. The tribes already expect other casinos to ask for amendments, allowing them to conduct sports betting. Authorities will decide the final rules of the compact on July 28.