Residents of Washington state may soon be able to place legal bets on sporting events involving local college teams such as the Huskies, Cougars and Bulldogs. The bill was finally approved by the state legislature and now awaits the signature of Governor Bob Ferguson. The new rules will allow bets on game outcomes at casinos run by Indian tribes such as Tulalip, Snoqualmie, Muckleshoot, Puyallup and Swinomish. These sovereign nations play a significant role in the state’s economy, creating jobs and generating tax revenue, and are influential political actors.
Under the text of the law, bets will be allowed only on the final result of a match or game. Wagering on individual player statistics, coaches’ in-game decisions, or officials’ calls will be strictly prohibited. Lawmakers thus sought to narrow the focus of gambling to minimize potential pressure on participants.
The law will take effect 90 days after the close of the current legislative session. That means fans won’t be able to bet on the Gonzaga Bulldogs’ performance in the upcoming spring college tournament, March Madness. Gonzaga University in Spokane, which has become a national basketball power, is a source of pride and the “third force” in the state’s sports culture alongside teams from the larger universities. However, fans will be able to bet on the traditional Apple Cup football game between the University of Washington and Washington State University, scheduled for Sept. 5 in Seattle. That annual game is more than a rivalry; it symbolizes the state’s historic split between urban west and agricultural east and serves as a unifying ritual for many families and communities.
An important feature of the new law is athlete protection measures. Threats against players, coaches or athletes related to sports betting will now be treated as a serious offense. Persons convicted of such a crime will be permanently banned from placing legal bets. These measures were added to protect student-athletes from harassment.
The bill’s passage comes amid a sharp rise in the popularity of sports betting nationwide. According to the American Gaming Association, legal betting handle in the U.S. topped $166 billion just last year. But polls also show growing public concern: 43% of Americans view legalization of betting as a negative development, fearing increases in gambling addiction and other social problems.
The bill faced strong opposition from university representatives. Chris Mallick, a spokesman for Washington State University, said the new law will bring “nothing but trouble” to his school and its student-athletes. He cited an NCAA survey reporting that 36% of Division I basketball players had experienced harassment on social media from disgruntled bettors. Opponents argue the law does not provide real protections and only expands a risky market.
Thus, the law — which opens a new revenue source for tribal casinos — has become the center of heated debate. On one hand, it legalizes and regulates existing demand. On the other, it raises legitimate concerns for the safety of young athletes and an increase in gambling-related problems on campuses.
Based on: WA residents may soon be able to bet on UW, WSU, Gonzaga sports