Washington is moving to tighten oversight of sports betting after lawmakers approved new restrictions designed to protect college athletes from harassment linked to wagering activity.

Under Senate Bill 6137, known as the Sports Wagering Integrity Act, sportsbooks operating in the state will no longer be allowed to offer player prop bets involving athletes from in-state colleges. The legislation aims to reduce pressure on student-athletes and curb abusive behavior that has increasingly been tied to sports betting.

The bill passed the Washington State Senate on March 3 by a decisive 43-6 vote and later cleared the Washington House of Representatives with a 70-26 margin. It now awaits the decision of Governor Bob Ferguson, who has up to 20 days to sign or veto the measure.

Key betting restrictions

If enacted, SB 6137 will prohibit several types of betting markets related to collegiate sports events involving schools based in Washington. Licensed sportsbook apps will be barred from offering wagers on:

Individual player performance or college player prop bets

In-game coaching decisions, such as substitutions or challenges

Officiating decisions, including foul calls or other rulings

The legislation specifically states that sports wagering cannot involve the performance or nonperformance of a named college athlete enrolled at a Washington educational institution, nor wagers tied to coaching or officiating decisions during those games.

Criminal penalties for threats linked to betting

Beyond betting restrictions, the bill introduces legal consequences for individuals who threaten athletes, coaches, or officials in connection with sports wagers.

Under the proposal, making a credible threat related to a sporting event wager — where the person has the ability to carry it out — would constitute a misdemeanor offense. Those found guilty could face criminal penalties and be permanently barred from betting through licensed sportsbooks in Washington.

Lawmakers behind the measure argue the rules are necessary to protect student-athletes and sports personnel from harassment and intimidation that has grown alongside the expansion of legal sports betting across the United States.

If signed into law, the Sports Wagering Integrity Act would position Washington among a growing number of jurisdictions taking steps to limit college-related prop betting and strengthen safeguards around collegiate athletics.