The Washington State Gambling Commission and the Tulalip Tribes of Washington have reached an agreement allowing sports betting in person at the Tribes’ casinos, or via mobile if bets are placed at these casinos.
As part of the agreement, the Tribe – which has two Class III gaming facilities on the Tulalip reservation in Marysville – may amend its Class III gaming compact to include sports wagering.
The news comes after a year-long negotiation with the Tribe after Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 2638, allowing sports wagering at tribal casinos. The initial agreement only allowed tribal betting activity at the Tribe’s Class III betting facilities.
The agreement is the first sports wagering compact agreement in Washington.
“We believe that this compact amendment is a thoughtful approach by the Tribe and State that ensures sports wagering will be conducted with the highest integrity while protecting the public by keeping gambling legal and honest.” said Bud Sizemore, chair of the Washington State Gambling Commission.
“Sports wagering is an exciting new opportunity for Washingtonians,” said Teri Gobin, Tulalip chairwoman. “The revenue sports wagering provides – like all tribal gaming revenue – stays in Washington, creating jobs and increasing charitable contributions that benefit communities throughout the state.”
The amendment will help the initial agreement to further address sports wagering regulations including licensing, sports integrity and criminal enforcement.
The Gambling Commission will vote on the amendment on June 10. If approved by the Commissioners, the amendment will be passed on to the Tribal Chair and Governor to sign.
Finally, the amendment will be passed to the Secretary of the United States Department of Interior for review and publication in the Federal Register. Sports betting cannot begin until the amendment is published in the Register.
If the amendment is passed and published as planned, it will take effect well before the beginning of the 2021 NFL season in September, which will support the launch of the Tribe’s land-based and mobile sports betting.