Olympia – On Monday the Governor signed into law House Bill 1222, sponsored by Rep. Chris Stearns (D-Auburn) to bolster protection for sensitive financial and security data within Washington’s regulated gambling industry.
Dubbed the “Oceans Eleven Bill” in committee, the legislation amends the Public Records Act (PRA) to expand exemptions to include additional proprietary and security-related information from gambling license applicants, licensees, gaming facilities, and tribes operating under approved Class III tribal compacts.
“Gaming operations are reliant on technology and data security,” said Rep. Stearns. “This bill strikes a balance between honoring our state’s public disclosure laws while protecting consumers and businesses from having sensitive data disclosed.”
Established in 1973, the Gambling Commission is the nation’s oldest independent gambling regulatory agency, tasked with overseeing a gaming economy that drew $3.8 billion in net gambling receipts in 2023.
“This legislation will protect critical casino security information and security testing results from getting out to people who might want to use that information to criminal ends,” Rep. Stearns said. “Keeping the gaming industry safe for players and businesses ensures that it will remain a vibrant part of our economy long into the future.”