A new bill allowing sports gambling on collegiate games within Washington is on its way to the governor’s desk. This bill, the Sports Wagering Integrity Act, permits bets through established sports books but prohibits wagering on individual players.
Significantly, the bill includes legal protections for participants. Those who threaten players, coaches, or officials involved in Washington sports events may face gross misdemeanor charges.
The bill prohibits betting on in-game decisions made by coaches and officiating decisions in collegiate sports events associated with Washington institutions.
The bill limits bets to tribal casinos, where gambling is already regulated under gaming compacts.