TACOMA, WA – In an 8-0 vote, the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) voted to advance a major update to the Puyallup Tribe’s gaming compact with the state.
The vote took place after four years of negotiations between the tribe and state. If approved by the U.S. secretary of the interior, the tribe will be able to add 1,000 player terminals, allow $30 wagers on tribal lottery system player terminals, allow table games in operation to offer up to $1,000 wagers, and limited tables will be able to offer up to $5,000 wagers after customer screening.
Just before the vote, the commissioners listened to a presentation about the tribe delivered virtually from Tribal Council Chambers by Puyallup Tribal Council Chairman Bill Sterud, Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Miller, Tribal Financial Officer and Puyallup Tribal Enterprises CEO Matt Wadhwani, and Emerald Queen Casino CEO Yale Rowe.
The presentation highlighted the impact gaming dollars have had on the tribe, showing the services the tribe is able to offer its members because of gaming dollars and how the tribe has used them to benefit the community at large. Rowe also reaffirmed the casino’s commitment to responsible gaming and highlighted increased protections for people at risk. Vice Chairwoman Miller reaffirmed the tribe’s commitment to helping the wider community.
The vote prompted a round of applause inside Council Chambers.
The proposed gaming compact amendment heads next to Gov. Bob Ferguson for review. If he approves, it will next go to the secretary of the interior and, if approved, will be published in the Federal Register.
