A bill recently passed by the Washington state Senate would permit betting on the outcomes of collegiate sports involving in‑state schools—like the University of Washington, WSU and Gonzaga—at tribal casinos. However, lawmakers included a ban on wagering on individual athlete performance, citing concerns over harassment and student safety.

Under Senate Bill 6137, wagering would be allowed on games featuring in‑state college teams—but only at tribal gaming facilities and only after the conclusion of this year’s NCAA basketball tournament. The legislation takes effect 90 days after the legislative session adjourns, expected in mid‑March, thus precluding bets during March Madness this year. The bill now moves to the Washington House of Representatives for further consideration.

Who’s behind the legislation? The bill was sponsored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Sen. Adrian Cortes (D‑Battle Ground) and others such as T’wina Nobles, Rebecca Saldaña, Derek Stanford and Lisa Wellman. In the Senate, it passed with broad support: 41 senators voted in favor, while eight opposed.

Supporters’ case: legitimizing an unregulated market Proponents, including tribal leaders and gaming operators, argue that Washington residents are already betting on in‑state college teams via illicit or grey‑market avenues. Allowing such wagers within the regulated tribal gaming system would enhance oversight and consumer protections. “Tribal gaming has some of the strongest regulatory standards in the country,” Cortes said, noting that regulation includes tribal, state and federal oversight. The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and other tribal representatives testified in favor of the bill, asserting it redirects unregulated activity into structured venues.

Opponents’ concerns: athlete harassment and exposure University officials at UW and Washington State University voiced strong reservations. UW emphasized that maintaining the ban on individual player prop betting was critical for the safety and well‑being of student‑athletes. WSU warned that allowing bets on in‑state teams could exacerbate harassment and pressure on accessible athletes—online and in person—citing an NCAA survey showing significant abuse tied to betting. WSU officials described receiving harassing and derogatory messages—including alarming slurs and self‑harm references—targeted at their athletes.

Why this matters locally For communities in Cowlitz County, sports betting has both economic and social implications. On one hand, tribal casinos may see increased revenue if betting expands; on the other, local university athletes could face heightened risk of harassment. Our region includes fans of WSU and other Washington institutions, so changes to sports gambling law could directly affect how residents engage with college sports, both in person and on local betting floors.

Reporting sources Our reporting draws on coverage by The Spokesman‑Review, which outlined legislative details and testimony from supporters and opponents, and on the official Senate Bill Report for SB 6137, which includes staff summaries and public testimony.

Next steps The bill now heads to the House. The session is expected to adjourn mid‑March, with the law—if passed by both chambers and signed by the governor—set to take effect later this spring.

Why this matters

This development illustrates the tension between regulating a persistent demand for betting and safeguarding student‑athletes from escalating harassment. Tribal communities seek to bring wagering into regulated spaces, while educational institutions warn about real human consequences. As this bill moves through the legislature, community awareness and input will be critical in shaping the balance between commerce and athlete welfare.

Sources:

The Spokesman‑Review: Washington Senate OKs betting on in‑state collegiate sports teams amid fears of athlete harassment

Washington State Legislature: Senate Bill Report SB 6137