Washington Advances Squaxin Island Gaming Compact Update

Washington tribal gaming rules are heading toward an update that reflects how casino floors and player protections operate today. Regulators and tribal leaders have aligned on a revised framework that expands gaming options while tightening public health and responsible gaming standards.

The Washington State Gambling Commission has reached a tentative agreement with the Squaxin Island Tribe on a proposed amendment to the tribes Class III gaming compact. The update folds decades of changes into a single framework while bringing the agreement in line with other tribal gaming compacts across Washington.

Good to Know

• The proposal represents the seventh amendment tied to the original 1993 compact
• Electronic table games and higher wagering limits are included
• Legislative hearings are scheduled for January and February 2026

Rather than layering another standalone revision, the proposal restates the original compact and incorporates Amendments 1 through 6. Regulators say the approach improves clarity, regulatory consistency, and enforcement alignment across tribal gaming operations statewide.

Washington State Gambling Commission Chairperson Alicia Levy said the update reflects a broader effort to standardize tribal gaming agreements.

“The proposed amendment modernizes the existing compact by adopting a balanced approach that supports economic development, regulatory consistency, and public health and safety.”

Expanded Gaming Options and Higher Limits

The amendment introduces several operational changes. Electronic table games would become permitted. Casinos would gain the ability to extend credit to patrons. Existing per-facility limits would be removed, allowing greater flexibility inside approved locations.

Wagering limits would increase under a tiered structure. The proposal allows wagers of up to $30 on tribal lottery system terminals, up to $1,000 on most table games, and up to $5,000 on a limited number of tables following customer screening.

Those thresholds mirror terms already present in other Washington tribal gaming compacts, helping reduce regulatory fragmentation across the state.

Tribal leadership emphasized the role of gaming revenue in sustaining government operations and employment.

Tribal Chairman Kris Peters said the compact remains a critical funding source for tribal government services and jobs across the community.

Public Health and Responsible Gaming Provisions

Beyond wagering changes, the amendment strengthens public health and responsible gaming requirements. Updated language expands staff training obligations, self-exclusion programs, player signage, and voluntary wagering limits.

If smoking is allowed inside a facility, the proposal requires a dedicated non-smoking room. The amendment also clarifies commitments tied to emergency services, tribal government functions, and nonprofit organization support.

Review Timeline and Approval Process

Formal notice of the proposed amendment has already been delivered to the Governor and Legislature. Lawmakers will begin public review later this month.

The Senate Business, Financial Services & Trade Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Jan. 21, 2026. The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee will follow with its own hearing on Feb. 10, 2026.

The Washington State Gambling Commission plans to vote on the amendment during its Feb. 12, 2026 public meeting. If approved, the agreement will move to the Tribal Chair and Governor for signature before submission to the U.S. Department of the Interior for final review and publication in the Federal Register.

FAQ

What does the Squaxin Island Tribe compact amendment change?

The amendment allows electronic table games, higher wagering limits, credit extensions, and removes per-facility caps.

Why is Washington updating the compact now?

The update aligns the agreement with terms already used in other Washington tribal gaming compacts.

Who must approve the amendment?

Approval requires action by the Gambling Commission, the Tribal Chair, the Governor, and the U.S. Department of the Interior.

What responsible gaming updates are included?

The proposal expands training requirements, self-exclusion programs, signage, voluntary limits, and non-smoking room rules.

When will lawmakers review the proposal?

Public hearings are set for Jan. 21, 2026 in the Senate and Feb. 10, 2026 in the House.

The post Washington Advances Squaxin Island Gaming Compact Update appeared first on iGaming.org.