The Washington State Gambling Commission has amended Class III gaming compacts with the Kalispel and Snoqualmie tribes, permitting them both to offer sports betting in the US state.
The Kalispel agreement states that the tribe can open a retail sportsbook within one of its existing gaming locations in Washington, with the tribe able to place sports betting kiosks anywhere inside the wider gaming facility.
Mobile sports betting will also be permitted on-site at Kalispel’s licensed gaming location, but the tribe must use Geofence geolocation technology to limit players to betting only while at the property.
In line with state law, betting will not be allowed on any events involving a college team based in Washington, nor on Minor League events.
Fees will be determined at a later date, but the compact did state that the tribe would need to secure approval from the Tribal Gaming Agency to begin offering sports betting to players in Washington.
Meanwhile, the Snoqualmie amendment was similar in that the tribe must only open a retail sportsbook inside one of its licenses gaming sites in Washington. Kiosks can also be placed anywhere inside the gaming facility.
Mobile sports betting will be allowed under the same geolocation rules, with wagering to be limited to players aged at least 18, in line with state law.
The same rules will also apply to college and Minor League betting, with any licensing fees to be agreed with the Commission prior to the tribe launching sports betting.
“We look forward to providing this exciting new gaming offering to our loyal casino patrons, which will allow us to expand our tribal programs and community partnerships,” Snoqualmie tribal chairman Robert de los Angeles said.
Both of the new compacts are subject to final and will be reviewed at the Commission’s public meeting on June 10.
The Commission has now agreed four such gaming compacts with tribes in the state, with arrangements also in place with the Suquamish and Tulalip tribes. These were all made possible after Governor Jay Inslee signed into law House Bill 2638, allowing sports wagering at tribal casinos.