Recent articles and editorials in Seattle/Spokane newspapers discuss
concerns that gambling is getting out of control in this state, and
nobody knows what to do about it. Revenues in 2005 reached 1.7
billion, and rising fast. The recent smoking ban seems to have
resulted in the closure of some non-Indian gambling halls (card and
bingo rooms mainly), so most of the growth is in the Indian casinos.
The state lottery is also struggling to survive. The non-Indian
gambling businesses ("non profits" like Junior Hockey and charities)
want slot type machines to help them survive, but this was rejected
recently by voters.
So it's an interesting situation where people don't want gambling
extended, yet the Indian casinos are packed and growing! The Spokane
Indians is the only tribe with out a state compact, but they are
close to a comprehensive agreement with the state. It's going to be
tough for the state to control gambling IMHO. The "cat" is out of the
bag, so to speak.