Washington introduces sports betting bills

New bills to allow sports betting at Indian casinos have been introduced in the Washington legislature this week.

US.- Washington state aims to become the next state in the US to have legalised sports betting. Bills to allow sports betting at Indian casinos have been introduced in the Legislature this week and would accept bets on events like the Super Bowl.

If approved, the 29 Indian casinos in Washington would be able to open Las Vegas-style sportsbooks. On the other hand, Maverick Gaming, which operates 19 private card rooms in the state, wouldn’t be able to offer such gambling modality. The Las Vegas-based company has 31 casinos in Washington and Nevada.

While the House Commerce and Gaming Committee met on Monday and heard testimony in regards to the possible legalisation, they did not vote. Another hearing will take place today before a Senate committee.

House Commerce and Gaming Committee Chairman Strom Peterson, who is also a sponsor of the bill, said that the House seeks to figure out a slow and steady way to enter into “this new arena of gambling.”

“Sports wagering is happening in our state,″ Peterson said, referring to illegal betting. “It will continue to grow,” he added.