The state Gambling
Commission and the Spokane Tribe have reached an agreement that, if
approved, would cause the number and size of tribal casinos in Washington to
literally explode.
Why would the state enter into such an agreement? Especially after voters
overwhelmingly rejected I-892, last year’s gambling expansion initiative?
And why would we reward the Spokane Tribe, which has operated illegal slot
machines for years, with the biggest and best gambling deal our state has
ever offered?
The answer is simple: more money for more state government programs. For the
first time in our state’s history, this agreement would give the state and
local governments a cut of a tribe’s gambling profits – in this case,
between 3 percent and 35 percent of the Spokanes’ net winnings, based on a
sliding scale. Three-quarters would go to the state, one-quarter to
Spokane-area local governments.
The tribe would also contribute a portion of its net winnings to support
gambling addiction treatment programs – a move that would not nearly make up
for the gambling expansion this agreement would spawn.
In return, the tribe gets a deal that would make even Donald Trump proud.
Among other things, the Spokane Tribe would be allowed to:
- Operate 7,500 electronic machines, up to 4,000 at one
location. Other tribes are limited to owning 675 machines and operating
1,500 at one location (some are leased to smaller tribes). If you like
Las Vegas, you’ll love the way a 4,000-slot casino will look in your
backyard.
- Operate up to five gaming facilities – more than any
other tribe.
- Operate a casino off the tribal reservation, on trust
land in Airway Heights. This would be only the fourth such off-tribal
casino in our nation’s history. This opens to door to mega-casinos in
our downtowns and neighborhoods.
- Operate an unlimited number of gaming tables, some
with no betting limits. Other tribes must limit bets to $500 or less.
- Keep their casinos open 24-hours a day, seven days a
week.
- Cut off the state’s portion of the revenue, should
the Legislature authorize any expansion of non-tribal electronic
gambling. However, the tribe could still keep its increased number of
machines, hours, wager limits, etc.
The list of dangers inherent in this agreement are almost
too numerous to list. First, it takes the state’s most far-reach policy
decision on gambling away from the Legislature and hands it to a state
government agency, the governor, and Spokane County – the same groups that
would benefit from huge revenue boosts should the agreement be approved. The
words, ‘sweetheart deal’ come to mind.
Second, it paves the way for a huge expansion of gambling outside of
reservations and into urban areas. People in Spanaway should be just as
concerned as people in Spokane.
Third, when gambling expands, especially on this scale, it hurts families
and lower-income citizens.
And finally, and perhaps most important, this agreement hands over
tremendous power to one interest, in this case the Indian tribes. I for one
don’t want our state budget to be dependent on a regular dose of Tribal
gaming monies. If you think those groups have leverage now, just wait until
they’re providing the funding for the services you get.
We have an opportunity to stop this runaway train, but the public will have
to stand up and say, “no.” Unfortunately, the citizens of Spokane will have
to have to cross the mountains to do it. The Legislature will hold a public
hearing on this issue Nov. 2, but it will take place in Renton. That’s not
right. If the Legislative leadership can take their recent hearings on
energy and gas prices on a five-city tour, they can certainly hold one
meeting in Spokane to give citizens an opportunity to comment on this
radical decision. Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, who represents Spokane,
should demand the hearing take place in Spokane and speak out against it
herself.
Following the hearing, the Gambling Commission will decide the agreement’s
fate at its Nov. 17 meeting in Tukwila. If approved, it will head to Gov.
Gregoire, who has said she generally favors it. From there, it would go to
U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton for final approval.
This agreement is, pure and simple, a sell-out. The public has said they
don’t want a massive expansion of gambling in our state. The Gambling
Commission and Gov. Gregoire should listen and reject this agreement.
Sen. Jim Honeyford represents the 15th District and serves as the
Senate Republican Caucus Chair. |