Washington has enacted new legislation that broadens the scope of sports betting on tribal lands, allowing wagers on collegiate athletics while introducing additional safeguards tied to how bets can be placed.
Governor Bob Ferguson signed the measure into law on Monday, extending existing sports wagering rules beyond professional and Olympic competitions to include college events. The update applies within tribal casinos, where Native American tribes maintain exclusive rights to operate sports betting in the state.
The change follows earlier approval by lawmakers, who advanced the bill through both legislative chambers before sending it to the governor’s desk.
College Wagers Permitted With Restrictions
The new law allows bets on college teams, including those based in Washington, under defined conditions. However, several limitations apply to maintain oversight of betting activity.
Wagers cannot be placed on minor league competitions. The legislation also prohibits prop bets tied to individual performance, such as points scored or minutes played. Bets involving coaching decisions, including substitutions and timeouts, are not allowed, nor are wagers related to officiating calls like fouls or penalties.
Safeguards Introduced For Athletes And Officials
Lawmakers added provisions aimed at reducing risks linked to sports betting, particularly around harassment. The bill includes measures to protect student-athletes, coaches, and officials involved in competitions.
“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,” state Sen. Adrian Cortes, D-Battle Ground, said Monday.
The law also introduces penalties for individuals who issue threats toward participants in sporting events, classifying such actions as gross misdemeanors.
State Rep. Chris Stearns supported amendments that reinforced these protections and restricted certain wager types. “Sports betting should never put athletes or officials at risk,” he said. “These changes help protect the integrity of the game and the people who make sports possible.”
Tribal Response And Ongoing Enforcement
Tribal gaming representatives backed the measure, pointing to its alignment with existing regulatory systems. The Washington Indian Gaming Association emphasized the importance of maintaining a structured approach to wagering.
“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 executive director Rebecca George, a citizen of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. “At a time when new products are trying to blur the lines around what is and isn’t gambling, Washington is choosing clarity.”
Casino operators also supported the expansion. Yale Rowe, CEO of Emerald Queen Casino, called it “a meaningful step forward,” adding that it places existing interest in college sports betting within a regulated setting.
The law follows recent enforcement actions by Attorney General Nick Brown targeting unregulated gambling platforms, including a lawsuit against Kalshi. It will take effect 90 days after the legislative session adjourns.
Source:
“New WA law expands tribal sports betting to college teams”, seattletimes.com, March 30, 2026
The post Washington Expands Tribal Sports Betting To Colleges first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.