Signing Opens Way To Toppenish Casino

Gov. Mike Lowry and Yakama Tribal Council Chairman Ross Sockzehigh have signed the Yakama Indian Nation’s gaming compact, clearing the way for the tribe to open a casino in the Toppenish area.

On Sunday, Lowry and Sockzehigh signed six copies of the document on a stage set up in the White Swan rodeo ring. The ceremony, on the final day of the White Swan All-Indian Rodeo, coincided with the 141st anniversary of the Yakamas’ treaty with the United States.

The tribe negotiated the compact with the state for more than two years, after the tribe’s general council voted in March 1993 to proceed with Class II and Class III gaming.

Under the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, tribes may only open Class III casinos with games such as blackjack, craps and roulettes - after first negotiating a compact with the state. Class II gaming, such as bingo and poker, does not require a compact.

The compact will now be forwarded to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s office, which has 45 days to approve it.

The tribe plans to open its casino temporarily at the former Flea Mart in Toppenish along U.S. 97. The permanent location of the casino has not been disclosed, though it will be in the Toppenish area, Sockzehigh said. It is expected to employ 569 people.