Sports Betting News, Reviews & More

Eight representatives from Washington State filed a new tribal sports betting bill. Once the bill became a law, it will legalize sports betting at tribal gaming venues across the state. HB 1975 will allow tribal casinos to offer sports betting in person and online. However, it doesn’t include mobile activities in its wordings. 

 

Federally recognized Indian tribes can offer sports wagering. In addition, the casinos need to have a Class III gaming contract with Washington State to qualify for the service. Once the bill becomes law, players can bet on all amateur and professional sports events. However, the bill doesn’t allow betting on horse racing. 

 

The bill allows players to place bets online if they are within a tribal gaming facility. It doesn’t allow users to place wagers through mobile apps while they are at home or anywhere else aside from a tribal casino. 

 

 

The tribal sports betting bill doesn’t include information about the application process for licenses and related fees. Also, it doesn’t provide information about tax rates on sports betting. Pay per head solution providers hope lawmakers come up with fair tax rates for sports wagering in the state. 

 

At present, online gambling is a Class C felony in Washington State. In fact, people caught gambling online in the state can face five years in prison and pay a maximum fine of $20,000. The tribal sports betting bill is good gambling news coming from the Evergreen State.  

 

There are other states that are considering their own tribal sports betting bills. Arizona lawmakers pushed for one in January. The Arizona SB 1158 will legalize brick-and-mortar tribal sports betting. However, it doesn’t allow betting on college sports events. 

 

Some tribes work with bookie PPH providers to provide sports betting to their players. For instance, the Santa Ana Star Casino signed a partnership deal with USBookmaking to offer sports betting service in New Mexico. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is working with International Game Technology to offer sports betting in Silver Star Hotel and Casino, Golden Moon Hotel and Casino, and the Bok Homa Casino.