The Washington State Gambling Commission has reached a tentative agreement with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe on an amendment to its Class III gaming compact. The proposed amendment includes new provisions that don’t exist in other tribes’ compacts.
“The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is the first tribe in Washington to agree to several of the provisions in the proposed amendment,” said Commission Chair Bud Sizemore. “Those provisions include providing additional funding for the community and updating 25-year-old wager limits.”
The following is a summary of the major changes in the proposed amendment.
• Allows operation of 125 gaming tables in one gaming facility or a combination of two facilities.
• Allows designated area for 25% of table games in operation to offer up to $1,000 wagers; and limited tables can offer up to $5,000 wagers after customer screening.
• Allows operation of 3,000 player terminals in one gaming facility or a combination of two facilities.
• Allows $30 wagers at 15% of the player terminals in operation.
• Adds the use of near-field communication (NFC) devices, EMV or smart cards, or similar secure payment technologies, upon agreement.
• Allows for extension of credit to qualified customers, based on screening criteria set out in the appendix, and documented in a memorandum of understanding.
• Creates and maintains a responsible gambling program and provides additional funding for problem gambling treatment.
• Provides additional funding for community impact and charitable contributions.
• Updates tribal forums and adds relevant criminal laws.
• Establishes a moratorium on additional changes until six months after Problem Gambling Task Force completes its report.
• Adds a framework to review and approve a wide-area progressive connected to the Tribal Lottery System.
“On behalf of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, we would like to thank the Washington State Gambling Commission, the Washington State Legislature and the Governor’s Office for their continued support on not only this endeavor, but also the efforts that paved the way to Ilani’s opening,” said Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman Philip Harju. “Ilani is now the economic engine that provides continued sustainability for the tribe and surrounding communities. Since 2017, the tribe and Ilani have contributed over $13,000,000 in ordinance and compact fees, with a significant majority of the funds staying in Clark County, WA. We greatly appreciate the partnership between our governmental bodies and look forward to future collaboration.”