NEWS
15 September 2020
Cowlitz Indian Tribe first Washington tribe to accept casino compact amendment
By Owain Flanders

The Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) has confirmed the new “tentative” agreement with the tribe, which operates the Ilani Casino Resort in Ridgefield, Washington.

As part of this amendment, the tribe will be required to provide additional funding for the community, including charitable donations.

The tribe will also be required to create and maintain a responsible gambling program and provide funding for problem gambling treatment.

The compact allows for the operation of 125 gaming tables in one gaming facility or a combination of two facilities, and permits 25% of table games to offer up to $1,000 wagers with limited tables offering $5,000 after customer screening.

Commenting on the agreement, tribe chairman Philip Harju, said: ““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 endeavour, but also the efforts that paved the way to Ilani’s opening.”

The compact must still go through a number of governmental steps before it is signed into law, including a WSGC vote on 15 Oct and final consideration by the state Governor.