Washington Indian Gaming Association

Demonstrating how Tribal gaming lifts up Washington communities

Washington’s Tribes are the longstanding stewards of gaming in the state — using revenue to fund housing, healthcare, education, and cultural programs that strengthen communities. But in 2020, those investments were threatened. An out-of-state commercial gaming company was pushing legislation that would strip Tribes of gaming revenue and block a WIGA-backed bill that affirmed sovereign rights to offer safe, controlled sports wagering on Tribal lands.

True Blue partnered with WIGA to shift perception and remind Washingtonians what Tribal gaming really delivers. Through powerful storytelling, we educated lawmakers, media, and the public about the $700M+ in annual tax revenue, thousands of jobs, and essential services made possible by Tribal-controlled gaming. Our statewide campaign spanned TV, print, digital, video, and social — elevating Tribal leadership, exposing risky commercial alternatives, and rallying public support.

Impact

We helped stop out-of-state interests from taking Tribal gaming revenue — and built the momentum needed to pass WIGA’s sports wagering legislation into law. Governor Jay Inslee publicly embraced the campaign’s message, reinforcing Tribal sovereignty and protecting a revenue stream Washington communities depend on. The campaign earned numerous awards, including “Best in Show” by the American Association of Political Consultants.