WA Sports Betting Bill Could Allow Wagers on College Teams | KING 5
- Washington state lawmakers are moving closer to allowing sports wagering on in-state college teams, a significant shift in the state’s current gambling regulations.
- Senate Bill 6137 would permit bets on collegiate sporting events involving Washington-based colleges and universities, including prominent institutions like Gonzaga, the University of Washington, and Washington State University.
- The move comes as sports betting continues to expand across the United States following a 2018 Supreme Court decision that overturned a federal ban.
Washington state lawmakers are moving closer to allowing sports wagering on in-state college teams, a significant shift in the state’s current gambling regulations. Currently, sports betting in Washington is limited to tribal casinos, and even then, bets on local college teams are prohibited. A bill passed by the State Senate this week, , aims to change that, potentially opening up a new revenue stream for tribal casinos while also addressing concerns about the existing “grey market” of illegal betting.
Senate Bill 6137 would permit bets on collegiate sporting events involving Washington-based colleges and universities, including prominent institutions like Gonzaga, the University of Washington, and Washington State University. However, the legislation includes a key restriction: wagers on the performance of individual student-athletes would be banned. This provision is a direct response to growing concerns about harassment and potential pressure on college athletes stemming from the increasing prevalence of sports gambling.
The move comes as sports betting continues to expand across the United States following a 2018 Supreme Court decision that overturned a federal ban. While many states have embraced legalized sports wagering, Washington has taken a more cautious approach, initially limiting it to tribal casinos and requiring bettors to be physically present on casino property. This new bill represents a significant step towards a more comprehensive and regulated sports betting landscape within the state.
State Senator Adrian Cortes, a Democrat, highlighted the need to bring existing wagering activity into the regulated tribal marketplace. “Currently, Washingtonians are placing bets on schools like these but are doing them on illicit or grey market avenues,” Cortes stated. “We need to ensure we protect student athletes and properly regulate sports betting on in-state college teams.” This sentiment underscores a broader effort to channel betting revenue towards legitimate channels and provide a safer environment for both bettors and athletes.
The concerns about athlete safety are not being dismissed, however. Opponents of the bill, including State Senator Jesse Salomon, also a Democrat, have voiced reservations about the potential pressure that even allowing bets on team outcomes could place on student-athletes. “I wonder how much pressure we put on our kids and our young people. That’s what gives me concern,” Salomon said. “We’re having this debate about who can profit off of their activities.” This debate reflects a growing national conversation about the ethical implications of sports gambling and the need to protect the well-being of college athletes.
The NCAA has also been actively advocating for stricter regulations on sports betting, particularly regarding “prop bets” – wagers on individual player performance. In , NCAA President Charlie Baker testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, calling for a federal ban on prop bets in college sports. Baker argued that these types of bets are more likely to lead to harassment and coercion of student-athletes, as bettors may attempt to influence individual performances. According to the NCAA, between 10% and 15% of Division I athletes have reported experiencing harassment from bettors, including demands for money and even death threats.
The prohibition of bets on individual athlete performance in the Washington State bill aligns with the NCAA’s concerns and represents a proactive measure to mitigate potential harm. By focusing on team outcomes rather than individual player statistics, lawmakers hope to reduce the incentive for bettors to target athletes directly.
The bill’s passage in the Senate is just the first step. It now moves to the House for consideration, where We see expected to face further debate and scrutiny. If approved by the House, the bill would then be sent to the governor for signature. Assuming it becomes law, the changes would go into effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns in March, potentially opening up a new chapter for sports betting in Washington State.
The potential economic impact of allowing bets on in-state college teams is significant. Tribal casinos stand to benefit from increased revenue, and the state could see an increase in tax revenue generated from sports betting. However, the long-term effects on the integrity of college sports and the well-being of student-athletes remain to be seen. The debate in Washington State reflects a broader national struggle to balance the economic opportunities of legalized sports betting with the need to protect the amateurism and safety of college athletics.
The outcome in Washington will likely be closely watched by other states grappling with similar issues. As sports betting continues to gain traction across the country, lawmakers will need to navigate the complex challenges of regulation, athlete protection, and responsible gambling. The Washington State bill, with its focus on team outcomes and prohibition of individual athlete bets, could serve as a model for other states seeking to strike a balance between these competing interests.