Policy Position
Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
Support Senate Bill 5215
January 20, 2021
The 2021 Legislative Session should focus on rebuilding our economy in a way that works for everyone and in every sector. That means first doing no harm. The Lakewood Chamber does not think this is the time to impose new taxes and regulatory burden, especially when new taxes aren’t needed to balance the budget.
However, there is one new tax that licensed card rooms and racetracks in Washington State backs up, and the Chamber’s Board of Directors support.
Senate Bill 5215 is the legalization and regulation of sports wagering for licensed card rooms and racetracks in Washington State. Last year, state lawmakers gave the green light to sports betting exclusively to tribal casinos.
The Chamber Board believes there is room for all licensed, regulated gaming operations to be successful, both in the more expansive destinations operated by tribal nations and within the modest neighborhood business setting of a licensed cardroom.
Allowing sports wagering in Washington will strengthen our local cardrooms, stabilize jobs and also create up to 10 new positions at each location. Most importantly, sports wagering will generate much needed state revenue and increase tax contributions to local governments.
Background on Sports Betting/Wagering
In May 2018, the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) overturned the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), declaring it unconstitutional by a 6–3 vote, opening the door to sports wagering nationwide.
In 2019, the Washington State Legislature approved sports wagering exclusively for tribes. Tribes pursuing the ability to offer sports betting are working to finalize gaming compacts with the updated capabilities ~ and once complete, will be able to offer sports books, likely during 2021.