Lawmakers in the U.S. state of Washington have passed a bill allowing sports betting on college games under strict limits, sending the measure to Governor Bob Ferguson for consideration.
The legislation, known as the Sports Wagering Integrity Act and introduced as SB 6137, expands the state’s sports betting framework to include wagers on collegiate sports while banning bets tied to individual athletes, coaching decisions, or officiating calls involving Washington colleges.
The state Senate approved amendments to the bill by a 43–6 vote, after the House passed the amended measure 70–26. Ferguson will have 20 days to sign or veto the legislation once it reaches his desk, or it will become law without his signature.
Under the proposal, sports betting in Washington will remain limited to tribal casinos operating under Class III gaming compacts with the state. Tribal operators would be able to amend those compacts to include collegiate wagering under the new restrictions.
Bettors would still be required to place wagers in person at tribal gaming facilities, although information related to bets may be transmitted online.
The bill maintains a ban on several types of wagers, including player proposition bets and wagers on in-game decisions by coaches, such as substitutions, timeouts, or replay challenges. Bets tied to officiating calls, including fouls, penalties, or replay rulings, would also remain prohibited.
Lawmakers also included provisions aimed at protecting athletes and competition integrity. Offering or accepting something of value to influence the outcome of a sporting event would be classified as a felony under the bill.
Threatening athletes, coaches, or officials in connection with a wager would be treated as a gross misdemeanor and could lead to a ban on sports betting in the state.
The measure also requires cooperation between tribes and the Washington State Gambling Commission on licensing, enforcement, and integrity monitoring, including oversight related to money laundering and responsible gambling programs.
The Washington proposal comes as several U.S. states review restrictions on college proposition betting. Lawmakers in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Utah have advanced or discussed similar limits, while Ohio, Maryland, and Vermont have already enacted bans on college prop bets.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/03/12/118039-washington-state-lawmakers-pass-bill-to-allow-college-sports-betting-with-strict-regulations
