Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed a law expanding legal sports-betting options on lands owned by Native tribes. In addition to professional and Olympic competitions, residents will now be able to place bets on college sporting events. The move is intended to strengthen regulation of the industry and counter illegal online operators, whose activity is on the rise.
The initiative received strong support from tribal representatives, who in Washington hold exclusive rights to operate casinos and accept wagers. The state is home to about 30 federally recognized tribes, including large ones such as the Tulalip Tribes, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Puyallup Tribe of Indians and Spokane Tribe of Indians, which run gaming facilities. Their casinos create thousands of jobs, generate significant tax revenue for the state and local communities, and fund social programs, health care and education for Native people, playing an important role in the regional economy. They say the law strengthens a proven model based on partnership between the tribes and the state and provides a safe environment for bettors.
The rule expansion will legalize public interest in betting on local college teams, such as the University of Washington Huskies and the Washington State University Cougars, but only when they compete in intercollegiate contests outside the state. Bets on professional leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS) and other sporting events approved by tribal gaming commissions are also allowed, redirecting interest away from the unregulated space.
The new law contains important limits to protect participants in sporting events. Bets on individual player statistics are prohibited, as are wagers on decisions that coaches or officials make directly during a game — for example, player substitutions or the calling of penalties. Lawmakers say this will help shield athletes and officials from potential coercion and harassment.
The law’s passage comes amid active enforcement against illegal online platforms offering gambling under the guise of mobile apps or prediction markets. In this way, the state is not only expanding the legal market but also tightening its fight against violations, seeking to protect consumers and the integrity of sports competitions.
Based on: New WA law expands tribal sports betting to college teams