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Sunday, Feb 15, 2026
Outside the box.
Washington State Senate Approves Bill to Expand College Sports Betting, Measure Advances to House
Proposed legislation would broaden wagering options under tribal agreements while maintaining regulatory safeguards
The Washington State Senate has passed legislation to expand the scope of college sports betting, sending the measure to the House of Representatives for further consideration in a move that could reshape the state’s tightly regulated wagering framework.
The bill would permit betting on in-state collegiate teams, subject to existing oversight structures and agreements with tribal gaming operators.
Under current law, sports wagering in Washington is limited to tribal casinos and excludes bets involving local college teams, a restriction that lawmakers behind the proposal argue has constrained market participation.
Supporters of the measure say the change would align Washington with many other states that allow regulated betting on college sports, while maintaining strict consumer protections and responsible gambling standards.
They contend that expanding legal options could capture activity currently flowing to unregulated or offshore platforms, increasing transparency and state oversight.
Opponents have expressed concern about the potential impact on student-athletes and the integrity of collegiate competition, warning that broader wagering access may heighten risks of harassment or undue pressure.
Lawmakers backing the bill have responded that the regulatory framework includes monitoring requirements, data tracking and enforcement mechanisms designed to safeguard competitive integrity.
Washington’s sports betting market was established in 2020 through a tribal-only model negotiated between the state and federally recognised tribes.
Any expansion of permissible wagers is closely tied to those compacts, which remain central to the state’s gaming structure.
The House of Representatives is expected to review the bill in committee, where amendments may be considered.
If approved, the measure would represent a significant evolution of Washington’s sports betting landscape, potentially broadening participation while retaining the state’s existing regulatory architecture.
The outcome will determine whether Washington joins a growing number of states permitting regulated wagers on local collegiate teams or maintains its more restrictive stance.
The bill would permit betting on in-state collegiate teams, subject to existing oversight structures and agreements with tribal gaming operators.
Under current law, sports wagering in Washington is limited to tribal casinos and excludes bets involving local college teams, a restriction that lawmakers behind the proposal argue has constrained market participation.
Supporters of the measure say the change would align Washington with many other states that allow regulated betting on college sports, while maintaining strict consumer protections and responsible gambling standards.
They contend that expanding legal options could capture activity currently flowing to unregulated or offshore platforms, increasing transparency and state oversight.
Opponents have expressed concern about the potential impact on student-athletes and the integrity of collegiate competition, warning that broader wagering access may heighten risks of harassment or undue pressure.
Lawmakers backing the bill have responded that the regulatory framework includes monitoring requirements, data tracking and enforcement mechanisms designed to safeguard competitive integrity.
Washington’s sports betting market was established in 2020 through a tribal-only model negotiated between the state and federally recognised tribes.
Any expansion of permissible wagers is closely tied to those compacts, which remain central to the state’s gaming structure.
The House of Representatives is expected to review the bill in committee, where amendments may be considered.
If approved, the measure would represent a significant evolution of Washington’s sports betting landscape, potentially broadening participation while retaining the state’s existing regulatory architecture.
The outcome will determine whether Washington joins a growing number of states permitting regulated wagers on local collegiate teams or maintains its more restrictive stance.
