A staff report issued in January by the Washington State Gambling Commission shows that the 22 gaming tribes of the state contribute significantly in both economic and charitable terms.
The report entitled “Tribal State Compact Tribal Contributions” covers the years 2013-2014. It notes that gaming tribes contribute 0.5 percent of net receipts from slot machines to nonprofits and charities, up to 2 percent of table game net receipts to the state government, 0.13 percent of slot machine net receipts to fight smoking, and 0.13 percent of all Class III gaming receipts to programs that fight gambling addiction.
Washington’s Indian casinos contributed about $6.5 million to community impact funds in 2013 and $6.6 million the year before; $1.8 million in 2012 to charities and non-profits. Community impact funds are funneled into local police, fire, and roads.
In addition, Washington’s tribes are some of the largest employers in the communities where they operate casinos. For example, the Quinault Nation, owner of the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino, is Grays Harbor County’s largest employer.
