Lawmakers in Washington State, USA, have approved a bill that permits sports betting on college games under rigorous regulations, now awaiting Governor Bob Ferguson’s approval.

This legislation, termed the Sports Wagering Integrity Act under the designation SB 6137, broadens the state’s sports betting laws to permit wagers on college sports, while prohibiting betting linked to individual players, coaching tactics, or officiating decisions related to Washington colleges.

The state Senate modified the bill with a 43–6 vote after the House passed the adjusted version with a 70–26 tally. Governor Ferguson has 20 days to sign or reject the proposal upon its arrival at his office, or it will become law automatically without his signature.

According to the proposal, sports betting in Washington will continue to be restricted to tribal casinos operating under Class III gaming compacts with the state. Tribal operators will have the ability to modify these compacts to incorporate collegiate betting within the new guidelines.

Bettors will still need to place their bets in person at tribal gaming venues, although data regarding bets may be communicated electronically.

The bill upholds a ban on numerous types of bets, including player proposition wagers and bets concerning in-game coaching decisions, such as substitutions, timeouts, or replay reviews. Additionally, bets related to officiating decisions, including fouls, penalties, or replay assessments, remain forbidden.

Furthermore, lawmakers have included measures designed to safeguard athletes and ensure competition integrity. Attempting to offer or accept any form of compensation to sway the result of a sporting event would be deemed a felony under the bill.

Any threats directed at athletes, coaches, or officials in relation to a wager would be classified as a gross misdemeanor, potentially leading to a prohibition on sports betting within the state.

The proposal also mandates collaboration between tribes and the Washington State Gambling Commission for licensing, enforcement, and integrity monitoring, encompassing oversight related to money laundering and responsible gambling initiatives.

This proposal from Washington emerges as various states across the U.S. reassess restrictions on college proposition betting. Legislators in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Utah have made strides or discussed similar limits, while Ohio, Maryland, and Vermont have enacted bans on college prop bets.