Washington Set to Allow Betting on In-State College Teams

The Washington sports betting market is about to get a little bit bigger.

The state’s Senate passed SB 6137 last week, which would allow for betting on college sports involving in-state teams or athletes. However, it would also impose significant restrictions, including bans on wagers involving individual players, officials, or in-game coaching decisions. 

Washington had been reluctant to open the door to wagering on in-state teams due to the rise in the harassment of athletes, coaches, and officials. The bans included in SB 6137 are intended to limit that danger while also imposing severe consequences on angry bettors who target those groups.

“[The bill] makes it a gross misdemeanor to threaten a sports official, coach, or participant involved in a sporting event, athletic event, or competition upon which a wager may be made where the threat is related to a wager on an act or occurrence in that sporting event, athletic event, or competition. Prohibits a person who has been convicted of threatening a sports official, coach, or participant from placing any sports wagers,” the language in SB 6137 reads.

The bill defines athlete harassment to include any threats of bodily harm or damage to property that causes “reasonable fear” for the victim. 

In addition to legal penalties, violators would also be banned from betting on sports in Washington.

SB 6137 is now awaiting final approval from Governor Bob Ferguson before becoming law.

States Walk Fine Line with College Betting

Washington lawmakers made the protection of college athletes, coaches, and officials their top priority during discussions of SB 6137. The severity of the spike in harassment was acknowledged, leading to the significant restrictions proposed. However, those concerns weren’t enough for them to keep the ban on in-state teams in place.

One reason for the change in stance is demand from residents. While Washington is home to several pro sports teams, it also has several major college sports programs. The University of Washington, Washington State University, and Gonzaga all have a history of success in college sports, leading to massive fan bases across the state. 

With sports prediction markets available statewide, fans now have a way to wager on in-state. Since these operators aren’t subject to state regulations, they can offer to whichever college markets they want. 

By passing SB 6137, lawmakers hope that Washington bettors will remain in the regulated market and adhere to the proposed restrictions.