The Washington State Gambling Commission and the Suquamish Tribe have reached an agreement allowing sports wagering to be added to its Class III gaming compact, becoming the second Washington-based tribe to make such an agreement.
If the new compact comes into effect, the Suquamish Tribe may offer sports betting at its Class III gaming facility, located on the Kitsap Peninsula on the Port Madison Indian Reservation.
“I am grateful for the thoughtful and cooperative approach taken by the Tribe and State in reaching this tentative agreement and this compact amendment continues to recognize the Tribe’s sovereignty and successful operation and regulation of gaming,” said Bud Sizemore, chair of the Washington State Gambling Commission.
“This agreement ensures sports wagering will be conducted with the highest integrity while protecting the public by keeping gambling legal and honest. Completion of these negotiations allows us to focus more on the black market in our state.”
The agreement is the second sports wagering agreement in Washington, following the Tulalip Tribes deal last month.
“We are pleased with the progress of the compact amendment and the partnership it represents with the Governor, Legislature, Gambling Commission and citizens of Washington,” said Leonard Forsman, chairman of the Suquamish Tribe.
“Revenue from sports wagering will help support the Suquamish Tribe’s important governmental services offered to both tribal members and the non-tribal community. This compact means guests at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort will enjoy additional exciting activities while ensuring that sports wagering revenues remain in Washington.”
As part of the gaming compact, the Tribe’s Class III Kitsap Peninsula location must use Geofence security to ensure that sports wagers are placed only on the premises.
It must not accept sports wagers on college sports events featuring a college based in the state or encourage bettors to place bets of a specific amount.
The amendment is set to be reviewed at the Commissioner’s public meeting on June 10. If approved, it will be passed to the Governor and Tribal Chair to sign.
It will then be passed to the Secretary of the United States Department of Interior for publication in the Federal Register. The amendment will not come into effect until it has been published in the Register.