Washington’s tribal casinos could offer bettors more mobile sportsbook choices under HB 2526, a bill that would end the one-operator rule on tribal lands while keeping statewide mobile betting prohibited.
Lawmakers discussed the legislation Friday during a committee hearing, marking the first public debate on a proposal that would adjust Washington’s tightly restricted sports betting model. No vote was taken, and there is no timeline for further action.
More sportsbook options on tribal lands
Washington allows legal sports betting only at tribal casinos under state-tribal agreements, requiring wagers to be made in person on tribal territory. Mobile betting is permitted only through geofenced apps that function within tribal lands and shut off when a user leaves the property.
Under current rules, tribes may partner with only one sportsbook operator, limiting bettors on each property to a single provider. For example, Quil Ceda Creek Casino near Seattle is tied to DraftKings, and Spokane Tribe Casino in the western portion of the state is tied to Caesars.
HB 2526 would allow tribes to accept mobile sports bets from any licensed sportsbook in Washington, not just their lone partner. Nearly a dozen of the state’s more than 30 brick-and-mortar gaming locations have a retail sportsbook on site. Supporters told lawmakers that allowing multiple licensed operators at each facility could create new revenue streams while keeping the statewide mobile wagering ban intact.
Leaders from multiple tribes testified in favor of the bill. Tribal representatives told lawmakers that gaming proceeds support tribal services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
If passed as written, the bill would make Washington the first state with statewide online sports betting bans to allow multiple mobile operators on tribal lands.
Washington, Wisconsin, New Mexico, North Dakota, and South Dakota are the only states that allow betting on tribal lands but prohibit wagering statewide.
College betting provisions prompt debate
The proposal would also lift Washington’s ban on wagering on in-state college teams. Washington is among a handful of states that prohibit bets on in-state college teams, not only player prop wagers.
HB 2526 would allow bets on in-state college sports teams while imposing a prohibition on individual player prop bets involving college athletes from Washington-based teams. The bill would still permit individual player prop bets on college athletes generally, including on opponents of Washington schools.
College wagering drew the most debate during the hearing. Representatives from Washington State University were among those who testified against the bill.
College player prop bets have faced increased scrutiny in recent months over integrity concerns, leading NCAA President Charlie Baker to call for a nationwide ban. The criticism intensified this week after the federal indictment of 20 people accused of manipulating more than two dozen men’s college basketball games over several seasons.
Sponsors cite offshore and prediction market competition
Rep. Sharlett Mena, chair of the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations, is the prime sponsor. Rep. Chris Stearns co-sponsored the bill along with Reps. Lauren Davis, Lisa Calligan, and Leavitt.
Mena said during the committee hearing that the legislation was introduced to help Washington keep pace with offshore sportsbooks and sports event prediction market contracts operating in the state.
“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.
“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.”
Washington is one of 39 states with a form of legal sports betting. Unlike most states that allow statewide mobile wagering, Washington requires bets to be placed on tribal lands.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/01/21/117224-washington-lawmakers-consider-bill-allowing-multiple-sportsbook-operators-on-tribal-lands
