Chehalis tribe to receive same gaming compact amendments, tribal representative says

The Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation told the joint Senate and House committees that the tribe endorses proposed amendments to its tribal-state gaming compact that mirror changes proposed for the Spokane Tribe of Indians.

“I think this is a pretty simple amendment,” Robbie Kessler, speaking on behalf of the Chehalis tribe, told the joint committee. Kessler thanked the Washington State Gambling Commission for its prompt work to bring the compact amendment forward.

Johnny Bray of the Gambling Commission reiterated that the Chehalis appendix would receive the same three additions adopted for the Spokane appendix S: prohibitions on wagers tied to an individual’s performance, prohibitions on wagering based on in‑game officiating decisions, and protections excluding individuals convicted of threats from wagering participation.

The committee did not vote at the hearing. Members thanked tribal representatives for their collaboration; the Gambling Commission will accept public comments through Oct. 14 and will consider the amendments at its Oct. 15 meeting.