Tribal casinos in Washington may see an increase in mobile sportsbook options thanks to HB 2526, a proposed bill that aims to remove the current single-operator clause on tribal lands while maintaining the prohibition on statewide mobile betting.
During a committee hearing on Friday, lawmakers began discussing this legislation, marking the first public discourse on a measure that could reshape Washington’s restrictive sports betting landscape. As of now, no votes have been held, and there’s no fixed timeline for any subsequent actions.
Expanded sportsbook options on tribal territories
In Washington, legal sports betting is currently restricted to tribal casinos as per state-tribal agreements, requiring all bets to be placed in person on tribal property. Mobile betting is limited to geofenced applications that only operate within the confines of tribal lands and cease functioning once a user exits the area.
Existing regulations permit tribes to partner with only one sportsbook provider, which restricts bettors to a sole option per property. For instance, Quil Ceda Creek Casino, located near Seattle, is affiliated with DraftKings, whereas Spokane Tribe Casino in the western part of the state works with Caesars.
If passed, HB 2526 would empower tribes to accept mobile sports wagers from any licensed sportsbook in Washington rather than just their sole partner. Currently, nearly a dozen of Washington’s over 30 physical gaming locations offer a retail sportsbook. Proponents argued to lawmakers that allowing multiple licensed operators at each venue could generate new revenue streams while maintaining the statewide mobile betting ban.
Leaders from various tribes voiced their support for the bill. Tribal representatives highlighted that gambling revenues fund essential tribal services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Should the bill be enacted as proposed, it would make Washington the first state with a statewide online sports betting ban to permit multiple mobile operators on tribal lands.
Washington, Wisconsin, New Mexico, North Dakota, and South Dakota are the only states that permit betting on tribal lands while disallowing wagers statewide.
Debate over college betting provisions
The proposed legislation would also remove Washington’s ban on betting on in-state college teams. Currently, Washington is one of a few states that prohibit wagering on local college teams, extending this ban to player prop bets as well.
HB 2526 would allow betting on in-state college sports teams while retaining a restriction on individual player prop bets for college athletes from Washington teams. However, individual player prop bets involving college athletes from other teams would still be permitted.
Discussions around college betting garnered significant attention during the hearing. Representatives from Washington State University were among those who expressed concerns regarding the bill.
The topic of college player prop betting has drawn increased scrutiny lately due to integrity issues, with NCAA President Charlie Baker advocating for a national ban. This scrutiny heightened following a recent federal indictment of 20 individuals accused of manipulating more than two dozen men’s college basketball games across multiple seasons.
Sponsors highlight competition from offshore and prediction markets
Rep. Sharlett Mena, chair of the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations, is the bill’s primary sponsor. Rep. Chris Stearns, along with Reps. Lauren Davis, Lisa Calligan, and Leavitt, has co-sponsored the bill.
During the committee hearing, Mena stated that the legislation was brought forth to help Washington remain competitive against offshore sportsbooks and sports event prediction market contracts that are already operating within the state.
“This is just the first step to help catch up with market trends,” Mena added. “We currently allow betting on professional teams in Washington, but we haven’t provided options for college teams. Without legal alternatives, sports betting hasn’t disappeared; it has merely moved underground to illegal markets and offshore options. This bill aims to incorporate this activity within our regulatory framework.”
Washington is one of 39 states that offer some form of legal sports betting. In contrast to most states that allow statewide mobile wagering, Washington mandates that all bets be made on tribal lands.