Washington
State Withdraws Proposed Gambling Agreement
As 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…"
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