TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A Washington state agency has hired New Jersey consultants to prepare an economic market study on gambling in the state.



The News Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/1XRKHpr ) that a press release says Spectrum Gaming Group has worked in the field since the 1980s and has conducted studies on gambling in other states, including Florida and Connecticut.



Washington State Gambling Commission announced Thursday that it hired the consultants. Commission Chair Chris Stearns says the study's results will be a powerful economic tool for the state and its Native American tribes. It is expected to be complete by late fall.



The study will outline the current gambling market, aside from the lottery and horse racing, and forecast potential industry growth.



