Washington is now being offered safe sports betting by Tribes

 Washington Tribes bring safe sports betting

The Washington Indian Gaming Association, Muckleshoot Indian Tribes, Spokane Tribe of Indians as well as the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe were federally recognized tribes that supported legislation to allow sports wagering.

Governor Inslee made the sports betting legislation law on March 25, 2020. This bill was approved by the super-majorities of both the State Senate & House with strong bipartisan support -- 34-15 for the Senate, and 85-14 for the House.

The authorization of limited and controlled sports wagering will ensure that tribes can continue to provide vital governmental services to their members, as well the non-tribal community. This will minimize gambling problems and increase the number of players. Additionally, the legislation will ensure that sports betting revenues stay in Washington and benefit all Washingtonians. This is a feature that has broad support.

Gaming and Tribal Communities

Washington tribal governments depend on gaming revenue to fund essential government services, enabling them to become self-sufficient. Tribal government gaming provides critical services for our communities, including healthcare, education, and employment.

Washington State Benefits from Tribal Gaming

Because tribal facilities can be a major employer and buyer of goods or services, they also provide benefits to the community surrounding them. The tax revenues and income generated by tribal casinos are not subject to the control of commercial operators outside Washington.

2017 saw more than $5.3 billion in Washington State's Indian economy. This produced an estimated $722million in state and local government revenue as well as $352 million in capital expenditures. Together, the tribes rank among the state's top ten employers.

Tribal gaming creates opportunities--living wage jobs, sustainable career paths and economic prospects that benefit tribal and non-tribal families and communities.

Avoiding Widespread Gambling

Maverick Gaming, a large commercial gaming company, has threatened to overthrow Washington's safe and limited approach in gaming. It will invest $30 million in legal battles, support dangerous legislation, and possibly back a ballot initiative. This commercial gambling company is pushing for widespread sports betting in Washington, both in local card rooms and via our mobile devices. The Legislature and the public are opposed to this huge expansion. New Jersey is one of the states that have adopted this 'gaming anywhere' approach. Washington is not a good candidate for this strategy due to concerns over accessibility, especially for children and vulnerable populations.

The tribal-supported legislation states that Washington's gaming footprint will not grow; it will only stay in areas where gambling is permitted by law.

Understanding and dealing with risks

It is crucial to consider the possible effects that betting on sports could have on vulnerable groups. These potential impacts are the reason tribes supported legislation to restrict where sports betting is allowed. It is best to use the existing, established and well-respected regulatory structure in order to make betting legal and secure.

Tribes have been leading efforts to stop, identify, and address problem gamblers for years. Washington's problem gambling programs are funded mainly by tribal funding. Their contributions have exceeded $20 million since 2008 to help support a wide variety of solutions.

Regulation of Sports Betting under a Proven System

Washington's existing compacts limit sports wagering to tribal casino. This will be the best way to regulate and control sports betting. Gaming has been successfully regulated by the Federal, State and Tribal governments for 28+ years.  Tips on How to Bet on Indian Gaming