The Washington State Gambling Commission has come to a preliminary agreement with the Squaxin Island Tribe regarding a proposed adjustment to the Tribe’s Class III gaming compact.
This seventh amendment reiterates the initial 1993 compact while also encompassing Amendments 1 through 6. The revision brings the Squaxin Island Tribe’s compact in line with existing clauses present in other tribal gaming agreements across Washington.
“This proposed change updates the current compact by promoting a well-rounded strategy that emphasizes economic growth, consistent regulation, and the health and safety of the public,” stated Alicia Levy, Chairperson of the Washington State Gambling Commission.
Adding on, Tribal Chairman Kris Peters remarked that the compact is vital for funding tribal government services and jobs within the community.
Through this amendment, electronic table games will be permitted, credit extensions allowed, and facility limits removed, alongside increases to various wagering limits.
Suggested alterations include: permitting bets up to $30 on tribal lottery system terminals, bets up to $1,000 on most table games, and up to $5,000 on select tables after customer evaluation.
The proposal also emphasizes the Tribe’s commitment to supporting emergency services, governmental bodies, and nonprofit organizations, mandates the availability of a non-smoking area if smoking is permitted, and enhances responsible gaming regulations concerning training, self-exclusion, signage, and voluntary limits.
Formal notification has been dispatched to the Governor and Legislature. A public hearing is set to take place on January 21, 2026, led by the Senate Business, Financial Services & Trade Committee, succeeded by another hearing by the House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee on February 10, 2026.
The Gambling Commission plans to conduct a vote on the proposed amendment during its public meeting on February 12, 2026. Should it receive approval, the amendment will be forwarded to both the Tribal Chair and the Governor for endorsement before being submitted to the U.S. Department of the Interior for concluding assessment and publication in the Federal Register.