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US – Maverick Gaming to spend tens of millions to try and block Washington’s tribal betting laws

By - 9 March 2020

Despite claims that it is creating ‘an untaxed tribal monopoly,’ the Washington Senate has approved an emergency bill allowing sports betting in Native American tribal casinos.

Nevada-based Maverick Gaming, which recently bought 19 of the state’s 44 card rooms, said it will spend tens of millions of dollars to block the law.

Maverick CEO Eric Persson said: “On behalf of our 2,200 employees and their families who live and work here in Washington State, we are profoundly disappointed that the State Senate has approved a tax-free monopoly for sports betting in Tribal casinos that is also tied to a manufactured ‘emergency’ to prevent a public vote.”

Senator Doug Ericksen, R-Whatcom also slammed the legislation. “This is a heck of a partnership,” he said. “I mean, the tribes get everything and the taxpayers get nothing on this partnership.”

Senator Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines said: “We are not looking at widespread commercial gaming throughout our community — which I really don’t think the people of Washington state want to see. That is why it is so wise for our state to take a very small step and work with our trusted partners in the tribes who have shown their ability to contain problems.”

W. Ron Allen, CEO of Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, said: “The 29 tribes in Washington State have a deep historical experience overseeing responsible gaming for three decades. We have a trusted, successful partnership with the state where we have effectively managed gaming in a controlled environment and avoided widespread expansion.”

Rebecca Kaldor, executive director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association, added: “Tribal gaming is government gaming. It is much different from commercial gaming. Indian gaming funds essential services desperately needed in our communities — education, natural resources, human services, housing and infrastructure, just to name a few.”

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