The State Gambling Commission withdrew its proposed gambling agreement with the Spokane Washington Tribe. This all happened last week after Gov. Christine Gregoire told the commission she didn't like the provisions that would let the tribe build off-reservation casinos. This would mean they would operate as many as 7,500 slot machines.
Gregoire must approve any state gambling compact with a tribe before it is submitted to the federal government. She told commissioners she is interested in reopening negotiations with the Spokane Tribes. The Spokane Tribal Council approved the proposed compact this past September. Two legislative committees and the Gambling Commission are to hold public hearings next month for feedback.
The agreement would have expanded tribal gaming in Washington in return for the Spokanes giving the state and local governments some of the profits. The governor specifically mentioned the number of slot machines the Spokanes could own under terms of the compact. This also mentioned 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 considers the governor's concerns just another step in the negotiation process. |
