Now Sports Betting legalized inside Washington Tribal Casinos

Sports betting has been legalized in Washington. Jay Inslee signed a bill on Wednesday that allows such wagering for Native American tribal casinos. Washington is the 21st state with legal sports betting (plus Washington, DC and Puerto Rico) and the first law to do so in 2020. At this point there are 18 states where one can legally bet a game.

Rebecca Kaldor, executive director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association, told the Times, “It feels timely that everything we’re saying is funded by our (tribal) government gaming.” “And so, the silver lining is that it will be an additional amenity tribe that can use to bring back our communities and run in a healthy way.”

The Washington State Betting Bill (HB 2638) was passed with bipartisan support in the House and Senate. But the bill is considered flawed because it does not allow mobile betting anywhere within the state and because of its geographical limitations.

The lack of mobile sports betting options has proved to be a hindrance in states that do not have them. Conversely, it has been a boon in states that have strong mobile sports betting – particularly on the New Jersey Sportsbook and the top sportsbooks in Pennsylvania, where more than 80% of the market comes via mobile.