for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
Lawmakers in Washington opened debate Friday on a proposal that could bring reform to one of the country’s tightest sports betting markets.
The bill, brought forward in committee, would lift the ban on wagers involving in‑state college teams while at the same time blocking bets on individual player performances for athletes at Washington schools.
Another major change would let tribal casinos take mobile bets from any licensed sportsbook in the state, ending the currency system where each tribe is tied to a single partner. Washington is one of 39 states with legal sports betting, but its rules on mobile gambling remain among the strictest nationwide.
The Friday hearing marked the first time the discussion was discussed publicly, and while no vote was taken, it shows immense progress. Rep. Sharlett Mena, a co‑sponsor, told colleagues the bill is aimed at keeping the state’s market relevant, especially as sports prediction markets and offshore operators continue to target Washingtonians.
“I think this is an initial step to try to catch up with the market, and there may be more down the line,” Mena said.
Tribes in support of more betting options
Tribal leaders in Washington spoke up for a new bill that would give players more choices on their lands. Right now, each casino can only work with one mobile sportsbook, so customers are tied to that single partner.
At Quil Ceda Creek Casino near Seattle, bets go only through DraftKings, while at Spokane Tribe Casino, they go only through Caesars.
The proposal would change that system by allowing several mobile operators at tribal casinos. This would open the door to more betting options while keeping the statewide ban on online gambling in place. Supporters believe this would bring in more revenue for tribal casinos without changing the rules outside tribal lands.
Washington is one of five states that limit betting to tribal property. If the proposal becomes law, Washington would become the first to let multiple mobile sportsbooks operate at each tribal casino, setting a standard for Wisconsin, New Mexico, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
College betting expansion plan faces opposition
The proposal would let tribal sportsbooks take player prop bets on college athletes, like points scored. Those props would stay banned for players at Washington schools, but bettors could still place props on their opponents.
Washington is one of a few states that block all bets on in‑state college teams, not just props.
“We currently offer for professional Washington teams but not for college Washington teams, and in the absence of a legal option it hasn’t stopped sports betting,” Mena said. “It’s simply pushed it into the shadows where college sports wagering already happens through offshore and illegal markets. This bill would bring this activity into our regulatory structure.”
Player props in college sports have drawn more criticism lately over integrity risks. NCAA president Charlie Baker has called for a nationwide ban, and the pressure grew this week after federal prosecutors charged 20 people with fixing more than two dozen men’s college basketball games over several seasons.
Representatives from Washington State University also spoke against the bill, adding to the growing heat on college prop bets.
Source: Covers
