In a landmark decision, Washington state’s Gambling Commission has voted to amend existing state-tribal compacts to include provisions for sports wagering. This approval paves the way for the introduction of regulated sports betting within tribal casino premises across the state, a move that has been met with enthusiasm from both tribal representatives and sports betting advocates.
The decision marks a significant expansion of gambling options in Washington state, which until now had not capitalized on the sports betting boom that followed the 2018 Supreme Court decision striking down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). With PASPA overturned, states were allowed to set their own sports gambling laws, and many have since introduced sports betting.
Under the new regulations approved late Thursday, each of the 29 federally recognized tribes in the state can start negotiations to add sports betting to their gaming compacts. This process is expected to take several months, as each compact must then be ratified by the state legislature and approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
“This is a historic day for tribal gaming, economic development, and revenue for public services in our state,” said Rebecca George, Director of the Washington State Tribal Gaming Association. According to George, the introduction of sports betting is projected to create hundreds of jobs and generate millions in additional revenue for tribal communities.
The approved compacts do not allow for mobile or online sports wagering across state lines, limiting betting to the premises of tribal casinos. Advocates for broader online sports betting argued that the state is missing an opportunity to generate additional revenue and combat offshore betting sites that operate outside the jurisdiction of U.S. law enforcement.
Despite these concerns, the decision was met with broad support. Senator John McCoy, a tribal member of the Tulalip Tribes, expressed his support for the compact amendments. “This move not only helps bring our gaming systems into alignment with many other states but also provides an excellent opportunity to grow our economic footprint,” McCoy said.
The introduction of sports betting is expected to boost visitor numbers and strengthen the economic impacts of tribal casinos in Washington, which are significant tourism drivers and among the largest employers in their respective regions.
Gambling experts believe that the cautious approach to online and mobile betting aligns with Washington’s traditionally conservative stance on gambling expansion. “Washington has always been very measured in how it introduces new gambling options,” noted Dr. Miriam Adelson, a professor of gaming studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. “This phased approach allows for evaluation and consideration of social impacts, which is important.”
With the framework for sports betting now in place, tribal casinos are preparing for the next steps. This includes training staff, setting up betting facilities, and implementing rigorous responsible gambling measures.
The Washington State Gambling Commission emphasized that a strong regulatory framework will be crucial to ensuring the integrity of sports betting in the state. “Our priority is to keep gambling safe and honest,” said Bud Sizemore, chair of the commission. “With these new compact amendments, we will be keeping a close eye on sports wagering to ensure it meets our strict regulatory standards.”
The launch of sports betting in tribal casinos is expected to occur in late 2023, following the completion of all regulatory and operational requirements. This development is keenly anticipated by sports fans and players across Washington, heralding a new era of gaming within the state.
With the future of sports betting now set to unfold within the tribal gaming landscape, Washington joins a growing list of states embracing this lucrative yet regulated expansion of gambling activities, carefully balancing the cultural and economic opportunities it presents against the need for responsible gambling practices.
Erik Agary is a seasoned writer at True Games Reviews, specializing in gaming, casino games, and interactive entertainment. With a passion for all things digital, Erik dives deep into the latest trends and developments in the gaming world, offering insightful reviews and detailed analysis. His expertise spans across multiple gaming platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage that resonates with both novice and experienced gamers alike.