Along with the ones that got approved, seven other tribal compacts are pending Interior Department approval. This is an important event in the efforts of Washington’s Native American tribes to strengthen the self-reliance of tribal communities.

Rebecca George, Executive Director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA), commented: “Tribal gaming supports more than 37,000 jobs in Washington, and in 2017 yielded more than $5.3bn in gross state product.

"That activity produced an estimated $722m in state and local government revenue, plus an additional $352m in one-time capital expenditures. Sports betting will now add to that economic benefit.”

WIGA is a non-profit Indian gaming trade association that represents federally recognised tribes committed to advancing the lives of the Indian people in Washington State.

Tribal governments in Washington rely on gaming revenue for essential government services, such as housing, healthcare, education and jobs for communities. 

Rebecca George added: “We do gaming right and the public can rest assured we will conduct sports betting in a fair and careful manner.

"It also ratifies the legislature’s carefully considered decision to limit sports betting to tribal casinos, which will ensure revenues from this activity will stay in our state and boost our local economy."