Washington Bill Would Allow College Betting, Ban Props

Washington Bill Would Allow Betting on In-State College Teams as States Tighten Prop-Bet Rules

Washington lawmakers are considering a sports betting expansion that would allow wagers on in-state college teams while maintaining strict protections for student-athletes.

Sports Betting Expansion and Prop Bet Crackdown

Senate Bill 6137, introduced during the 2025–2026 legislative session, would allow bettors at tribal casinos to wager on games involving Washington universities such as the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Gonzaga. At the same time, the measure would continue to prohibit bets tied to the performance of individual college athletes.  

The bill represents a notable shift for Washington’s limited sports betting market, which currently allows wagering only at tribal casinos and prohibits bets involving in-state college teams.

What Washington’s SB 6137 Would Do

Washington legalized sports betting in 2020 but restricted it heavily, limiting wagering to tribal casinos operating under gaming compacts with the state.  

Rule Changes

Supporters argue the change would bring betting that already occurs in unregulated markets into Washington’s regulated system. Opponents, including some higher-education stakeholders, have raised concerns about the potential impact of sports betting on student-athletes.

The bill passed the Washington Senate by a 41–8 vote earlier in the legislative process and moved forward for further consideration during the session.

Part of a Broader Shift in College Betting Regulation

Washington’s proposal arrives amid a nationwide policy debate over betting markets involving college athletes. Over the past two years, regulators and lawmakers have increasingly targeted college player prop bets, which allow wagers on the statistical performance of individual athletes. Critics argue those markets can expose amateur players to harassment or manipulation.

Since 2024, multiple jurisdictions have adopted restrictions on such wagers. Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio, and Vermont have all banned individual college athlete prop bets, reflecting growing concern about integrity risks.  

More broadly, more than a dozen states now restrict or prohibit these markets entirely, though many still allow standard wagers on game outcomes or team totals.  

The push for tighter rules has also been driven by the NCAA, which has urged state regulators to eliminate prop bets involving college athletes due to potential harassment and match-fixing concerns.  

Integrity Concerns Driving Policy Changes

Several high-profile investigations have intensified scrutiny of sports betting tied to college sports. In recent years, cases involving athletes allegedly sharing insider information or betting on their own games have drawn national attention and led to disciplinary action from the NCAA.

Regulators worry that prop bets tied to a single player’s performance, such as rebounds, strikeouts, or yardage totals,nare particularly vulnerable to manipulation.

As a result, lawmakers in several states are attempting to strike a balance: allowing regulated betting markets while removing wager types considered higher risk.

Washington’s SB 6137 follows that model by expanding betting options but explicitly prohibits wagers on individual athletes.

What Happens Next

If enacted, the bill would expand the betting menu available at Washington’s tribal casinos while preserving the state’s tight regulatory framework.

Sports wagering would still be limited to tribal properties, and bettors would still need to be physically present at those facilities to place wagers.

For the broader sports betting industry, the bill illustrates a regulatory trend that may shape the next phase of legalization: expanding betting markets while tightening restrictions on college-athlete-focused wagers.