More tribes sign up to Washington State sports betting compact

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Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) has signed a new agreement with 11 tribes in the state, bringing the total number of tribes that are now going to be involved with sports betting to 15. 

The new compact involves the Colville, Cowlitz, Jamestown S’Klallam, Lummi, Muckleshoot, Puyallup, Shoalwater Bay, Spokane, Squaxin Island, Stillaguamish, and Swinomish Tribes. 

Each of those that sign up to the compact will be able to offer in-person and mobile sports betting, but mobile will only be permitted on recognized tribal property.

Rebecca George, Executive Director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA), issued a statement reacting to the joint House and Senate legislative hearing on sports betting compacts negotiated with the tribes.

 She said: “All tribal gaming is carefully regulated through compacts negotiated by each sovereign Tribe with the Washington State Gambling Commission. Sports betting is no exception.

“The Gambling Commission has now reached tentative compact agreements with 15 tribes, and today’s hearing is the next step in finalizing those agreements so sports betting can commence at tribal casinos in a few months. 

“These new compacts will boost our state economy and fund important services for some of the poorest and historically most underserved communities in Washington. These agreements stand as a testament to the strong and enduring partnership tribes in Washington have built with the state over the last three decades to provide safe, limited and regulated gaming options at tribal casinos.”