Throughout the process of legalizing sports betting in Washington’s tribal casinos, a private commercial gaming operator has been backing legislative proposals to expand sports gambling to non-tribal card rooms accross the state. Learn more about tribes’ economic and community impact. Unlike out-of-state commercial operators, the tax monies and revenue generated from tribal casinos stay in Washington. Tribal facilities also benefit the surrounding non-tribal community, as they are major employers and purchasers of goods and services. Unlike commercial gaming, tribal government gaming pays for critical housing, healthcare, education, natural resources and jobs for our communities. Tribal governments in Washington rely on gaming revenue for essential government services allowing for self-sufficiency. Since then, more than a dozen tribes in Washington have begun offering sports wagering on casino premises – a welcome opportunity for casino patrons and an important step forward in the ongoing efforts of tribes to strengthen their self-reliance. In March 2020, Governor Inslee signed into law House Bill 2638, legalizing in-person sports betting at tribal casinos.
