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Ericksen responds to
governor’s views on
Spokane Tribe Gaming Compact
“If the governor’s compact is approved,
it will lead to a large expansion of gambling throughout the state”
House Republican Deputy
Leader Doug Ericksen says the facts are clear that the Spokane Tribe
Gaming Compact proposed by the governor would lead to a large expansion
of gambling throughout the state – including current non-tribal lands.
The proposed compact would allow the Spokane Tribe of Indians to install
up to 4,700 cash-operated slot machines – the first to be legalized in
the state. It would also be the first to allow no-limit betting on table
games.
Ericksen explained that when an expansion of gambling is approved
by compact for one tribe, other tribes in Washington can add identical
provisions to their compacts. He also highlighted that the governor’s
actions are making it more difficult for the state to block tribal
gambling on current non-tribal lands.
“If the governor’s compact is approved, it will lead to a large
expansion of gambling throughout the state. This is despite the fact
voters have adamantly said they don’t want it,” said Ericksen,
R-Ferndale. “I’m hopeful the State Gambling Commission will be
independent-minded and fully weigh the social and economic ramifications
of its decision. But in the end – the governor is the one who has the
final say and decides if she wants to sign the compact.”
The State Gambling Commission will vote to approve or reject the Spokane
Tribe Gaming Compact on Feb. 8.
Rep. Ericksen: The law states what when an expansion of
gambling is approved by compact for one tribe, other tribes in
Washington can add identical provisions in their compacts.
Governor’s representative’s statement: “…the Spokane Tribe
Compact does not set any kind of precedent they (other tribes) will be
able to use ... I don’t see that this is a precedent set in any way,
shape or form.”
Fact:
Rep. Ericksen: The Spokane Tribe Gaming Compact will
lead to a large expansion of gambling throughout the state.
Governor’s representative’s statement: “I don’t think you’ll see
an increase in the number of (gambling) facilities.”
Fact:
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The Spokane Tribe Gaming Compact would allow for the operation of up
to five facilities – more than any other tribe. This number was
previously three. Other tribes will likely consider increasing their
number of casinos.
In addition to the number of casinos that will result from the Spokane
Tribe Gaming Compact, it also expands existing areas of gambling. The
Spokane Tribe of Indians would:
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Receive an automatic allocation of 900 machines (other tribes only begin
with 675);
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Operate up to 75 gaming tables at one facility and up to 50 tables at
other authorized facilities (currently, tribes are limited to 50
tables);
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Offer unlimited wagering at five gaming tables at one facility during
120 days per year (other tribes are currently limited to $500 bets); and
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Offer wagers of up to $20 on 15 percent of the machines at each facility
(currently, other tribes may offer up to $5 wagers).
Rep. Ericksen: The governor is making it more difficult
for the state to block tribal gambling on current non-tribal lands.
Governor’s representative’s statement: “This (Spokane Tribe
Gaming Compact) doesn’t change this process at all. It doesn’t change
the process by which they are to gamble on tribal lands opposed to
anywhere else.”
Fact:
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The Spokane Tribe of Indians has indicated it will immediately begin
seeking approval for an off-reservation casino at Airway Heights in
Spokane.
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From the Spokane Tribe Gaming Compact ( Appendix Spokane, Page 2,
Section 1, Sub-section A, Sentence 6) – “The Governor agrees to
deliberate and act in good faith in making any concurrence decision
required under 25 U.S.C. 2719 (b)(1)(A).” This good faith provision
allows the tribe to sue the state if the governor refuses to allow
gambling facilities on newly acquired non-tribal lands.
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The Spokane Tribe Gaming Compact is a new, major shift in the
relationship between the tribes and state that allows tribes a clearer
path to build casinos on what are currently non-tribal lands.
The people have spoken on the expansion of gambling – failed state
initiatives
I-892 (2004). Would have allowed an expansion of gambling in
licensed non-tribal gambling establishments. Failed 61 to 39 percent.
I-671 (1996). Would have authorized tribes with Class III gaming
compacts to operate slot machines. Failed 57 to 43 percent.
I-651
(1995). Would have authorized the use of gambling devices
by the Spokane, Shoalwater Bay, and Puyallup Tribes. Failed 74 to 26
percent.
What can be done?
The State Gambling Commission can reject the Spokane Tribe Gaming
Compact and force the governor to come up with an alternative that is
socially responsible and congruent with voter sentiment.
Also, the Legislature could pass
House Bill 1257 – a measure that moves the authority to approve
tribal gambling compacts from the governor and the State Gambling
Commission to the Legislature.
“The Legislature represents the views of people around the state. The
body deserves to be the voice of its constituencies – especially on
matters as serious as a large expansion of gambling,” said Ericksen.
“Giving the governor this much closed-door authority deprives citizens
of a voice. Tribal gambling compacts should be considered by the
Legislature so they can be properly vetted and carefully considered by
147 elected officials.”
Spokane Tribe Gambling Compact Fact Sheet
http://src.leg.wa.gov/senators/honeyford/GamblingCompactFactSheet.pdf
Note: All governor representative statements were taken from a recent
interview with KGMI (790 AM) radio in Bellingham.
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