Washington Governor signs bill allowing tribal casinos to offer collegiate sports betting

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has signed a bill that allows tribal casinos to offer betting on collegiate events. However, the state maintained certain restrictions when approving the new wagering options.

Ferguson signed Senate Bill 6137 on Monday, permitting wagers on collegiate athletics within tribal gaming facilities. The law does not allow betting on collegiate events involving Washington-based institutions or games held within the state. Wagering on minor league sports, including teams such as the Tacoma Rainiers, remains prohibited.

Boundaries for approved wagering markets

Under Washington law, gaming operations may not accept wagers on collegiate events offered or sponsored by Washington institutions, college sporting events taking place in Washington, minor league sports, and events with predetermined outcomes, referred to as “past postings.”

The state also continues to prohibit bracket pools, office sports pools, and fantasy sports, including those tied to the NCAA Final Four.

Operational rules for tribal sportsbooks

The legislation sets requirements for tribal casinos offering sports wagering. Sportsbooks must operate within tribal gaming facilities, and gaming employees may not advise patrons on specific wagers or amounts, though the latter restriction does not apply to general advertising, promotional efforts, or responses to general questions.

Mobile betting must be limited through geofencing to on-site activity, operators must publish available wager types, and sports wagers cannot be transferred between patrons.

Restrictions on bet types and event conduct

The law prohibits proposition bets tied to individual performance metrics, coaching decisions such as substitutions and timeouts, and officiating outcomes, including fouls or rulings.

A prop bet involves wagering on a specific athlete’s statistical output, such as points, assists, or minutes played.

“Sports betting should never put athletes or officials at risk,” said State Rep. Chris Stearns, who pushed for the provision. “These changes help protect the integrity of the game and the people who make sports possible.”

Measures addressing harassment and participant safety

The bill introduces penalties related to threats directed at individuals involved in athletic events. A person who threatens a coach or official could face a gross misdemeanor charge.

“During a time when online hate and harassment are on the rise, it’s more important than ever that we protect student athletes by properly regulating sports betting on college sports in our state,” said State Sen. Adrian Cortes.

“This bill strengthens a model that protects consumers and respects tribal sovereignty, ensuring that any wagering happens within a framework that has worked for decades,” said Rebecca George, executive director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association. “At a time when new products are trying to blur the lines around what is and isn’t gambling, Washington is choosing clarity.”

Eligibility controls for wagering participants

Gaming operators must take steps to ensure that prohibited individuals do not place wagers. These include persons under 18, individuals acting as proxies, athletes whose performance may influence outcomes, individuals with access to material, non-public information, persons in positions of authority over participants, and individuals identified by sports governing bodies and regulators.

The restrictions also apply to those connected to sporting events, including players, coaches, referees, trainers, physicians, team staff, and governing body employees.