Kent-area casino jobs spared

May 19, 2009

OLYMPIA – The governor signed a bill today that includes a provision that saves over 150 Kent-area jobs. The city of Kent is considering a possible annexation of the Panther Lake area, but its ordinance prohibiting house-banked card game businesses won’t apply to Great American Casino.

Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines) pushed for the provision, which allows existing casinos to be grandfathered in under city ordinances. In a letter to Governor Gregoire last month, Upthegrove stressed that if Great American Casino is forced to close, over 150 good-paying jobs would be lost.

“Both the City of Kent and the Kent Chamber of Commerce strongly supported allowing the casino to continue operating, even after annexation,” Upthegrove said. “Great American not only pays its employees well, it offers them benefits like health care. These are the kinds of jobs we can’t afford to lose right now.”

Shannon McClure, General Manager at Great American Casino, attended this morning’s bill signing and expressed gratitude that the measure was signed in its entirety.

"We are pleased that some control was given back to the cities over our future and we look forward to continuing to be a valued community member,” McClure said. “Great American Casino is a safe, clean, well-run facility and I am thankful that my employees get to continue providing not only for their families, but for our loyal guests as well."

The bill number is Senate Bill 5321. Section two of the bill pertains to house-banked card game businesses.

“The section is worded so that existing businesses can continue operating without weakening a city’s ordinance prohibiting gambling, or opening the floodgates to more gambling establishments,” Upthegrove said. “It’s a fair, common-sense solution that saves jobs.”

Kent would also benefit from taxes on gambling receipts that currently go to the county instead.