WA State Gambling Commission, Sauk Suiattle Indian Tribe Reach Tentative Agreement on Sports Wagering

WA Gambling Commission

OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Gambling Commission has reached a tentative agreement with the Sauk Suaittle Indian Tribe to amend its Class III gaming compact to add sports wagering. The tribe is located in Darrington, WA.

“This tentative agreement to amend the Sauk Suaittle Indian Tribe’s Class III gaming compact to include sports wagering represents the Gambling Commission’s continued work with Tribal Gaming Agencies across the state,” said Bud Sizemore, Washington State Gambling Commission Chair. “Our mutual efforts are successfully helping tribal casinos add this new gaming experience for their customers.”

“The Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe is excited for the potential to explore this new gaming opportunity,” said Tribal Chair Nino Maltos II. “We believe that sports betting presents an exciting new area that can provide needed economic opportunity to Sauk-Suiattle and all of Indian Country. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the Washington State Gambling Commission to offer robustly regulated gaming that still offers quality entertainment to customers.”

In March 2020, Governor Inslee signed ESHB 2638 authorizing sports wagering at tribal casinos. This sports wagering compact amendment establishes the framework for sports wagering at the tribe’s facility, continues the current tribe-state co-regulatory structure while addressing the areas specified by the Legislature – licensing, regulatory fees, operation and regulation of sports wagering, criminal enforcement, money laundering, sport integrity, and responsible problem gambling.