Share 
The state Senate has voted to move a bill to the House that would erase a key exception in Washington’s sports betting law. While current law allows wagering on college games, it prohibits residents from betting on Washington-based teams. Senate Bill 6137 would eliminate that restriction; senators approved the bill Feb. 11 by a 41-8 vote.
The proposal is not an expansion into statewide online betting. Washington would still limit legal sports wagering to physical tribal casinos.
Betting rules: In-state teams and the player prop ban
Under current rules, tribal sportsbooks cannot take bets on events involving Washington post-secondary schools. SB 6137 would permit this wagering as a step to “bolster” the state’s regulated industry.
However, the bill maintains a firm ban on “player props”—wagers tied to the performance of individual athletes. This ensures that while bettors can back an in-state team to win, they cannot legally bet on a specific player’s stats. Supporters argue this shift is necessary because Washington residents are already using illegal “gray” markets to bet on local teams, and the state should move that activity into the regulated tribal system.
A divided front: WSU and UW respond
The state’s two largest universities hold differing views on the proposal. Washington State University opposed the bill, citing the high accessibility of student-athletes on campus and online. WSU officials warned of increased harassment, noting an NCAA survey where one-third of basketball players reported online abuse and many reported being approached on campus by bettors.
In contrast, the University of Washington focused on existing safeguards rather than opposition. UW officials highlighted mandatory sports wagering training for athletes, including mental health support and social media guidance. The university also noted that the Big Ten conference provides independent wagering monitoring services to flag suspicious activity.
Next steps: House hearings and effective dates
Beyond player safety, the debate has touched on market access. Supporters argued that as the sportsbook vendor market consolidates, smaller or rural properties struggle to compete. They presented SB 6137 as a way to preserve the viability of retail sports wagering across all tribal locations, rather than letting the market tilt toward only the largest casinos.
The bill, sponsored by Sens. Adrian Cortes, Lisa Wellman, Rebecca Saldaña, Derek Stanford, and T’wina Nobles, received its first reading in the House on Feb. 14. A public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 20 at 8 a.m. If passed, the measure would take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns—meaning the change would not arrive in time for this year’s NCAA tournament.
