Atomic Bowl owner opposes Callville Scribe Casino in King City

During the recent Richland City Council meeting, local business owner and managing partner of Atomic Bowl, expressed strong opposition to the proposed Callville Scribe Casino in King City. The owner highlighted concerns about the competitive advantages that tribal casinos hold over local establishments, particularly in terms of gaming options and regulations.

Having invested over $1.6 million in improvements to Atomic Bowl over the past decade, the owner emphasized the importance of fair competition for local businesses. He pointed out that tribal casinos, which already operate multiple locations, benefit from exclusive gaming options such as higher betting limits and sports betting, which are not available to card rooms like his.

The owner also noted that the Yakima tribe and other local entities share his concerns about the expansion of gaming off reservations, arguing that it could further disadvantage local businesses. He warned that machine gaming, which is prevalent in these casinos, can be more addictive than traditional table games due to its rapid pace.

The discussion reflects ongoing tensions in the community regarding the impact of expanded gaming options on local businesses and the potential for increased addiction rates among residents. As the city considers its stance on the proposed casino, the implications for local economic health and community well-being remain at the forefront of the conversation.