Gambling issue is heating up…

The battle’s getting hotter in Olympia over whether to allow taverns, mini-casinos, bowling alleys and fraternal clubs to have the same slot-style machines that Indian casinos now have. Proponents say tribes have an unfair monopoly on the machines.
On Thursday night, the coalition seeking the machines unveiled a list of 30 lawmakers — including some heavyweights in both parties — that have agreed to sign on as sponsors. Locally, the list includes Reps. Jeff Gombosky, D-Spokane; John Ahern, R-Spokane; and Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.
On the other side: an alliance of tribes and prominent politicians, including several former governors. They describe a state blanketed with flashing neon come-ons to get-rich-quick, and say that’s where Washington’s headed if this proposal moves ahead.
Stay tuned…