Washington Signs College Sports Betting Bill for Tribal Casinos

Washington has widened sports betting for tribal casinos, but the state kept a tight rule set around the new market. College sports betting is now allowed, though not on Washington schools, in-state games, minor league sports, or several prop style markets.

Good to Know

• Tribal sportsbooks can now offer betting on some college events.
• Bets on Washington colleges and games played in Washington stay banned.
• Player props tied to Washington college athletes are also barred.

Washington Expands Tribal College Betting With Limits

The new law lets tribal casinos in Washington take wagers on collegiate sports, but only within clear boundaries. Betting on events tied to Washington based colleges remains prohibited, and the same goes for minor league sports. Tribal sportsbooks must continue operating inside tribal gaming facilities, with mobile wagering restricted to on-site use through geofencing.

The measure also blocks several wager types. Books cannot offer bets on the performance or nonperformance of an individual athlete enrolled at a Washington college. It also bars wagers linked to wrongfully influencing play or conduct in a sporting event. Bill materials say the changes are meant to bolster the regulated sports wagering industry while keeping the market tightly controlled.

State Rep. Chris Stearns said: “Sports betting should never put athletes or officials at risk.”

State Sen. Adrian Cortes said stronger regulation is needed to protect student athletes as online harassment rises. Rebecca George of the Washington Indian Gaming Association said the bill protects consumers, respects tribal sovereignty, and gives the state more clarity as new products try to blur the line around gambling. Those remarks appeared in legislative reporting on the bill.