The Washington State Gambling Commission and the Tulalip Tribe have reached a tentative agreement to amend a Class III gaming compact to add sports betting, according to a release from the state.
The agreement comes after nearly a year of negotiation and after Gov. Jay Inslee signed HB 2638 last year authorizing sports wagering at tribal casinos.
It is the first sports wagering compact agreement in Washington while setting up a framework for sports betting at the tribe’s gaming facilities.
“We believe that this compact amendment is a thoughtful approach by the Tribe and State that ensures sports wagering will be conducted with the highest integrity while protecting the public by keeping gambling legal and honest,” said Washington State Gambling Commission Chair Bud Sizemore. “The State and Tribal negotiation team did a great job coming to this agreement. There is still a lot of work before the first regulated sportsbook opens in our state, and I’m hopeful sports wagering can launch before the NFL regular season begins.”
“We are extremely satisfied with the compact amendment and our ability to work together with the State on this effort to maintain a strong regulatory environment for gaming in Washington State,” said Tulalip Chairwoman Teri Gobin. “Sports wagering is an exciting new opportunity for Washingtonians. The revenue sports wagering provides -- like all tribal gaming revenue -- stays in Washington, creating jobs and increasing charitable contributions that benefit communities throughout the state.”
The agreement must go through a state and federal approval process, which include:
- Legislative Hearings will be held in the Senate Labor, Commerce, and Tribal Affairs and House Commerce and Gaming Committees.
- The Gambling Commission will view and vote on this compact amendment at the June 10, 2021, public hearing. If approved by the agency’s Commissioners, the proposed compact amendment will be forwarded to the Tribal Chair and then the Governor for signature.
- Once signed by both the Tribal Chair and the Governor, the Tribe will send the amendment to the Secretary of the United States Department of Interior for consideration and publication in the Federal Register.
- The compact amendment is not final, and sports wagering cannot begin, until it is published in the Federal Register.
Cox Media Group
