Delvin decries Spokane Indian Tribe compact vote; says it expands gambling against citizens’ wishes.

OLYMPIA…As a member of the Washington State Gambling Commission, Sen. Jerome Delvin today announced his disappointment at the commission’s Friday vote in favor of the Spokane Indian Tribe compact, a gaming proposal that will vastly increase the tribe’s gaming machines and expand gambling in Washington – in direct opposition to the will of the voters.

“For months, the commission learned how this gaming compact would add thousands more machines, give the state no revenue at all, reward the Spokane Tribe’s illegal operations, and pave the way for off-reservation gambling,” said Delvin, R-Richland. “In 2004, Washington voters said ‘NO’ to expanding gambling in Washington by rejecting I-892. I kept faith with those voters by personally voting ‘NO’ to the Spokane compact.  But the Democrats on the commission followed the governor’s wishes – not the people’s.”

Delvin noted that early last week Gov. Chris Gregoire spoke out on the issue, first decrying gambling (“It’s no secret I don’t like gambling — never have; never will.”) then claiming impotence in the matter because the tribe has a federal “right.” He said that since the Gambling Commission had the right to negotiate for the governor and could have voted ‘no,” that’s not true at all. As it stands now, if the governor signs the measure, Washington will be left wide open to the stampede of tribes that will come forward demanding the same deal.

“This is a lucrative deal for the Spokane Indian Tribe, but it ignores our citizens’ wishes and leaves Washington behind the eight ball,” Delvin said.  The compact rewards the Spokane Tribe — the tribe that has been illegally operating slot machines for more than 10 years – one of the most favorable gambling compacts on record. It authorizes five casinos, 4,700 new gambling machines and unlimited wagering at five gaming tables. Every other tribe is limited to $500 wagers. It also guarantees the tribe’s right to expand gambling well into the future.

“The governor can still reject the application for off-reservation gambling,” Delvin said.  “It’s high on the Spokane Tribe’s wish list.”  The measure goes to the governor’s desk immediately for signature or veto.

Sen. Delvin represents the 8th Legislative District that includes Richland, Kennewick, Benton City and Prosser.  For more information contact Pat Albright (360) 786-7519, albright.pat@leg.wa.gov  For the latest news and information from the Senate Republican Caucus visit the Senate Republican Media Center at http://www.src.wa.gov/