Lawmakers in Washington push forward college betting bill

• Senate Bill 6137 proposes the expansion of betting activities in Washington State, with the addition of in-state college wagering
• While the bill permits betting on the outcome of college sports events, it prohibits prop betting, or wagering on other aspects of college games
• The proposal was sent to Gov. Bob Ferguson's desk, who can veto it or sign it

A bill proposing changes to the sports betting framework in Washington State is now one step closer to becoming law.

That's the case for Senate Bill 6137 (SB 6137), known as the Sports Wagering Integrity Act, which seeks to expand the legal betting options, while introducing strict rules about the types of new bets and bolstering integrity.

The bill permits betting on college sports but with limits, combats harassment and manipulation

Under SB 6137, the prohibition of bets on Washington state collegiate sports will be lifted.

While the proposal establishes new rules, permitting wagering on in-state college sports, it sets specific rules, banning certain bets.

That will be the case for player prop bets on college competitions, wagering on officiating decisions like violations or fouls, as well as in-game decisions by coaches.

Those types of bets won't be permitted under SB 6137.

SB 6137 reads: "Sports wagering may not be conducted on: (i) The performance or nonperformance of any specifically named individual participant in any collegiate sport or athletic event who is enrolled in an educational institution located within the state of Washington."

At the same time, the draft law establishes rules that seek to ensure the integrity of sports competitions and protect sports staff from harassment.

Sports officials who accept or offer anything in exchange for manipulating or influencing a sporting event will be subject to felony charges.

Similarly, threats against coaches, athletes or sports officials, regardless if made in person or online, will be subject to charges.

"No person shall knowingly threaten a sports official, coach, or participant involved in a sporting event, athletic event, or competition upon which a wager may be made where the threat is related to a wager on an act or occurrence in that sporting event, athletic event, or competition," reads SB 6137.

Any person who violates the rules regarding threats against sports officials will be subjected to a gross misdemeanor, per the draft bill.

The proposal arrived at Gov. Ferguson's desk

Per SB 6137, tribal operators will maintain exclusivity for offering sports betting, which is in line with state policies about offering a "highly regulated environment that is safe for the public."

On Tuesday last week, the proposal, which has gone through amendments in the House, successfully passed the Senate with 43 votes in favor, six in opposition and zero absent or excused.

After this major milestone, SB 6137 was delivered to the desk of Governor Bob Ferguson.

The next move is for the Governor to veto or sign the bill into law. In case no action is taken by Gov. Ferguson, SB 6137 will become law after 20 days.

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