Cowlitz Indian Tribe reaches tentative settlement with Gambling Commission on proposed gaming compact modification

Cowlitz Indian Tribe reaches tentative settlement with Gambling Commission on proposed gaming compact modification

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) has reached a tentative settlement with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe on an modification to its Class III gaming compact. This proposed modification is the sixth modification to their Compact.

Washington State Gambling Commission Chairperson Sarah Lawson stated of the tentative compact modification: “We value the relationship with the Tribe and our joint efforts to keep gambling legal and honest.”

Tribal Chairman William Iyall stated of the tentative compact modification: “The proposed amendment is an excellent example of how the State and Tribe can work together to benefit not just the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, but the communities our Tribe helps support. The changes modernize existing gaming standards while continuing to ensure high regulatory standards are met.”

The following is a abstract of the main adjustments within the proposed modification (full modification hooked up).

• Allows desk video games in operation to supply as much as $1,000 wagers
• Creates a brand new course of and necessities for particular larger limits gamers
• Enhances accountable gaming provisions on signage and advertising to precise Tribe’s dedication to accountable gaming in facility and on their web site
• Allows Tribe to designate momentary gaming areas as a part of the gaming flooring

Next Steps:

1. Formal notification concerning the proposed compact modification was conveyed to the Governor, Legislature, and others.
2. The Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Committee and House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee will maintain a joint public listening to on July 22, 2026, 3:30 pm.
3. The Gambling Commission will vote at its public assembly on August 28, 2026, and resolve whether or not or to not ahead the proposed compact modification to the Governor.
4. If the Commission votes to ahead the Tribe’s modification, it is going to be despatched to the Tribal Chair for remaining consideration and signature.
5. Once the Tribal Chair indicators the modification, it is going to be despatched to the Governor for remaining consideration and signature.
6. After acquiring the signatures of the Tribal Chair and the Governor, the Tribe will ship the modification to the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior for consideration, signature, and publication within the Federal Register.

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 gives that Indian tribes could conduct Class III gaming actions on Indian lands when the gaming is carried out in conformance with a tribal-state compact. RCW 9.46.360 gives that the Gambling Commission negotiate these compacts on behalf of the state. The Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s tribal-state compact for Class III gaming was initially signed on June 16, 2014, and that is the sixth modification. Public feedback relating to this compact modification could also be submitted to compactcomments@wsgc.wa.gov.