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A long-debated issue in Washington sports wagering moved forward in a significant way.
On Feb. 11, the Washington State Senate approved a bill by a 41-8 vote that would allow bets on in-state college teams, as long as those wagers are made in person at tribal casinos. For years, Washington residents have been able to bet on college sports — just not on schools located within the state.
Programs such as the University of Washington, Washington State University and Gonzaga University have been excluded from legal wagering. That restriction could soon be lifted.
Tribal casinos could offer team wagers only
If the bill becomes law, tribal casinos would be able to accept wagers on games featuring Washington-based colleges and universities. Fans could place bets on standard outcomes, such as which team wins or covers the point spread.
However, the proposal keeps firm boundaries in place. Bets tied to the performance or nonperformance of individual student-athletes at Washington schools would remain prohibited. In-game player proposition bets involving local college athletes would also remain banned.
Lawmakers cite existing illicit betting market
Backers of the measure argue that the current ban has not stopped wagering on Washington college teams. Instead, they say it has pushed activity toward offshore and unregulated platforms.
Under existing law, sports betting in Washington is restricted to tribal gaming facilities, and in-state college teams are off limits. Supporters believe bringing those wagers into the tribal casino framework would allow for oversight, consumer protections and regulatory accountability.
State Rep. Sharlett Mena, who sponsors the companion bill in the House, has said that without a legal option, bettors are turning to other avenues. State Sen. Jeff Holy made a similar case during Senate debate, calling the bill a practical step toward addressing an illicit market that operates outside state control.
Tribal leaders and casino operators have also endorsed the proposal, emphasizing that it would help maintain competitiveness for smaller and rural tribes that rely on gaming revenue.
Officials cite gambling-related abuse concerns
Not everyone views the proposal as a straightforward fix. Officials from Washington State University and others have expressed concern about how expanded betting could affect student-athletes.
Recent data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association shows an increase in harassment and abuse tied to sports gambling, particularly when individual players are the focus of wagers.
Although the bill would continue to prohibit player-specific bets for Washington schools, critics argue that broader wagering on local teams could still create additional pressure for athletes who are highly visible both on campus and online. The debate mirrors conversations in other states as lawmakers weigh revenue opportunities against athlete welfare and the integrity of college sports.
Final approval now rests with the House
With Senate approval secured, the bill now heads to the Washington House of Representatives. Lawmakers there will determine whether the state moves ahead with allowing bets on its own college teams under the tribal casino model.
The decision could mark a notable shift in Washington’s approach to sports betting while testing how carefully crafted safeguards hold up in practice.
