OLYMPIA – The only thing stopping local bettors from wagering on the Gonzaga Bulldogs next year is a stroke of Gov. Bob Ferguson’s pen.
The Legislature has approved a bill that would allow Washington residents to bet at tribal casinos on the state’s college sports teams. Under the measure, bettors would be allowed to wager on the outcome of games or matches featuring schools from Washington. Betting on the performance of individual athletes, however, would not be allowed.
The law would take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns, meaning fans would not be able to place bets on the Zags during the upcoming March Madness. But they would be able to bet on the Apple Cup slated for Sept. 5 in Seattle, the first game of the season for both the Cougars and the Huskies.
The bill previously cleared the Washington state Senate on a 41-8 vote, and passed the House of Representatives 70-26 on Friday. On Tuesday, the Senate concurred with the changes the House of Representatives made, sending the bill to the governor’s desk for final approval.
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