Centennial Accord

The Centennial Accord provides a framework for the federally-recognized tribes of Washington and the State to achieve mutual goals.

Programs

The Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) is responsible for regulating gambling in Washington State. Included in this responsibility is the negotiation of Class III Gaming Compacts (Compacts) on behalf of the state and the co-regulation of Class III Gaming in conjunction with the tribal gaming regulatory agencies. The terms of this tribal/state relationship originate from the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and are governed by the Compacts between the state and individual tribes.

The agency’s Director is primarily responsible for negotiation of Compacts on behalf of the State this responsibility is entrusted to the Tribal Relations Staff to serve as the core team. Meanwhile, Tribal regulatory functions are managed collaboratively by the Tribal Gaming Unit, the Electronic Gambling Laboratory, and the Licensing Unit. In addition to our co-regulatory functions and certification/suitability determinations of Class III Gaming employees and organizations, we participate in and organize meetings and trainings for: Tribal Gaming Agency directors and staff, gaming executives, equipment manufacturers, and independent testing laboratories, and provide assistance to Tribal Gaming Agencies as requested.

Funding Distribution

As a regulatory agency, the WSGC does not distribute funds to Tribes. The WSGC recovers costs from Tribes for our role in Class III gaming regulation as outlined in each Compact.

Definitions

"Class III Gaming" means all forms of gaming as defined in 25 USC §2703(8) and by regulations of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and as authorized under each Compact.

Consultation Process Procedures

Tribal Consultation is generally initiated by either the Tribal Liaison or the Director. The Agency will anticipate guidance from each sovereign Nation as to its protocol for appropriate government-to-government consultation with the WSGC. The WSGC will ensure the process emphasizes trust, respect, and a shared responsibility to open and timely exchange of information to develop a mutual understanding of gambling topics. Consultation provides the WSGC an opportunity to make better informed decisions by soliciting input on gambling and related policy topics from Tribes.

The WSGC recognizes that its decisions and the regulatory relationship with respect to non-Indian gaming may have an impact on Tribes and, therefore, will endeavor to analyze potential issues and consult before decisions are made whenever possible.

  • Tribal consultation is most effective and meaningful, when it occurs before actions impact Tribes.
  • The WSGC is committed to identifying its actions that may have Tribal implications including policy or rule development, program implementation, broad-impact adjudications, or similar items.
  • Informal and formal communication with individual Tribes or as a group is not considered consultation.
  • Consultation meetings will be scheduled at least annually.

In addition, the WSGC participates in Centennial Accord meetings.

Dispute Resolution Process

The dispute resolution process for Class III gaming issues is set forth in each Compact. This process involves several levels of dispute resolution including consultation, mediation and arbitration.

WSGC employees are strongly encouraged to resolve disputes informally with Tribal partners rather than invoking the formal process whenever possible.