Washington Passes Recent Bill for College Sports Betting

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Washington State Advances Sports Betting Legislation

Washington lawmakers recently passed the Sports Wagering Integrity Act, which significantly alters the sports betting landscape by allowing betting on in-state college teams and enhancing protections for athletes from betting-related harassment. This legislative move comes as a response to the growing presence of prediction markets and prevalent college sports betting in the state, despite existing laws that restrict local sportsbooks from covering state teams.

One unique feature of the bill is its focus on athlete protection, criminalizing harassment related to sports betting. Under the new law, it would be a misdemeanor to threaten athletes or coaches with bodily harm in a manner deemed credible by law enforcement. This aims to address the potential for increased harassment amid the expansion of legal betting avenues.

However, the enactment of these changes will not be immediate. The bill will take effect 90 days post-legislature adjournment, meaning that for prominent college teams like Gonzaga and potentially Eastern Washington, betting won't be available in this year's March Madness. Both teams are expected to participate, with Eastern Washington aiming for its first appearance in about a decade. The delay in implementation means fans will have to wait until next year to legally bet on these teams, assuming they qualify for the tournaments again.

The bill now heads to the governor's desk for approval, potentially setting a precedent for other states considering similar adjustments to their betting regulations. By legitimating betting on local college teams and establishing protections for those involved in collegiate sports, Washington aims to pave the way for a more regulated and safe sports betting environment.