Washington Says Yes to Spokanes

The Washington State Gambling Commission has approved the casino compact with the Spokane Indian Tribe, allowing them more casinos and slot machines than they currently have. Not only that, the new deal opens the door for the state’s other tribes to increase their slot machine numbers as well.

With the governor set to approve the compact as well, the Spokane Tribe would now be allowed five casinos, 4,700 slot machines, and higher wages at some of their tables. This will also allow other tribes to increase what they have as well, making Washington about to see a slot machine boom. The state could be looking at 25,000 slot machines including the Spokane ones.

However, the state says that they will try to keep the other tribes at their two casino limit, so that the state does not become overrun with the actual casinos. They say that although it will be passed within the state, the US Interior Department will have to approve it as well, and that could take as long as a year.

Critics are upset for they say that the number of slot machines that will now be allowed is ridiculous. They say that the state needs to get more of the money if more slot machines are going to be approved, especially since these numbers will increase the amount of gambling addiction. The governor has said that although she does not like gambling, she will sign the compact because legally she does not have a right not to – and she would prefer they decide the terms than the federal government.

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