OLYMPIA –On Thursday, February 13, the Washington House of Representatives passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds to legalize sports betting in tribal gambling facilities.
“We know that illegal sports wagering is happening in our state,” said Peterson. “The Legislature needed to find a workable path forward for legal sports betting. Historically, voters in our state have wanted to keep gambling limited. Our tribal partners have responsibly managed gambling in the state for a long time and are best equipped to manage issues like problem gambling, illegal wagering, youth access and any other issues that may arise.”
“Tribal partners from all over the state have also shown me how important gambling dollars are to their communities,” continued Peterson. “In Olympia we talk about big issues like early childhood education, treatment of drug addiction, housing, caring for an aging population, and protecting the environment. These are the things that tribes are funding every day in their communities and neighboring communities. Gambling dollars will go toward helping the very Washingtonians who need it. In one stroke we legalize sports betting in a responsible way and help our tribal partners improve communities all over the state.”
House Bill 2638 passed with strong bipartisan support, clearing House with a vote of 83-14. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Washington’s 2020 legislative session ends on March 12.