Olympia, WA — The Washington Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development committee recently held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6137.
The bill addresses sports wagering in the state and id passed would allow betting on collegiate events involving Washington colleges while also prohibiting wagers on individual athletes from those colleges.
Ron Allen, Chair and CEO of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, testified in favor of the bill. He highlighted the need for tribal operations to engage in sports betting related to Washington universities. “This is a bill that needs to happen so that the tribes can tribal operations can engage in sport betting with regard to Washington universities,” Allen said.
Much of the argument in favor of the change centers around online gambling apps which are prohibited in Washington but can still be accessed and utilized illegally.
However, the bill has faced opposition from some, including representatives from Washington State University. Chris Mulick from the university expressed concerns about potential impacts on student athletes. “Unfortunately, there’s nothing in this bill but trouble for WSU and our student athletes,” Mulick referenced a November poll that found WSU athletes had have been harrassed by gamblers both in person and online.
Another argument in favor of the bill points to improved regulations of sports wagering. The thought being that betting within tribal casinos, ensures activities are monitored and any suspicious behavior is reported. Kevin Zenicek, Executive Director of Casino Operations for Northern Quest Resort and Casino, supported this approach. “Offering legal wagers in Washington State on in-state will allow effective monitoring of the wagering activity in the state,” Zenicek said.
