Washington Senate Passes SB 6137, In-State College Bets

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Wed Feb 18, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

Washington Senate Passes SB 6137, In-State College Bets

industry

The Washington State Senate has approved SB 6137, a bill that would expand sports wagering options in the state. Lawmakers voted to allow betting on in-state college teams at tribal casinos. The measure marks a significant shift in Washington gambling policy.

Currently, bettors cannot wager on Washington-based college programs. However, they can place bets on out-of-state schools. This limitation has frustrated some lawmakers and tribal operators. As a result, legislators introduced SB 6137 to close that gap.

Supporters argue the bill modernizes the state's sports betting framework. They also believe it keeps wagering within regulated channels. Meanwhile, opponents have raised concerns about potential risks to student-athletes.

If enacted, the bill would allow wagers on teams such as those from the University of Washington and Washington State University. However, strict safeguards would remain in place.

What Would SB 6137 Change?

SB 6137 would permit tribal casinos to accept bets on in-state college teams. Since 2020, tribal facilities have exclusively operated legal sports betting in Washington. However, state law prohibited wagers on local college programs.

Under the new measure, bettors could legally back Washington-based teams at retail sportsbooks inside tribal casinos. Importantly, the bill does not authorize statewide mobile wagering. Therefore, Washington would still differ from most US online sportsbooks markets.

While the bill would loosen college betting rules, college player prop bets would remain restricted. Currently, bettors can place prop bets on individual athletes from out-of-state schools. However, the revised language clarifies that props on players at Washington schools would still be prohibited.

Lawmakers backing SB 6137 argue that the change addresses unregulated wagering. Rep. Sharlett Mena strongly supported the measure during debate. She emphasized the reality of offshore betting activity.

"In the absence of a legal option, it hasn't stopped sports betting; it's simply pushed it into the shadows where college sports wagering already happens through offshore and illegal markets. This bill would bring this activity into our regulatory structure," Mena said.

Supporters also contend that tribal casinos already operate under strict oversight. Therefore, expanding wagering options would not require a new regulatory system. Instead, regulators would incorporate in-state college betting into existing frameworks.

Impact on Washington Gambling Industry

The approval of SB 6137 could strengthen Washington gambling revenues. Tribal casinos would gain additional betting inventory. Consequently, sportsbooks may see increased foot traffic during college football and basketball seasons.

However, bettors will not see immediate changes. Even though the Senate approved the bill, it would not take effect right away. The measure would become effective 90 days after the legislative session adjourns in March.

As a result, bettors would not be able to place wagers on in-state teams during the 2026 NCAA Tournament. That timing creates what some observers call a "March Madness" gap. Fans hoping to back local programs during the tournament will need to wait.

Next, the bill must clear the Washington House of Representatives. Lawmakers there will review and vote on the proposal. If approved, the legislation would then head to the Governor for signature.

Even so, momentum appears strong. If enacted, SB 6137 would represent a targeted expansion of Washington's sports betting framework. At the same time, Washington would maintain its tribal-exclusive model. 

Unlike many US online sportsbooks jurisdictions, the state would not open the market to commercial operators.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.