Posted on:  May 14, 2018

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the federal law (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) prohibiting most U.S. states from authorizing sports betting; however, sports betting is still prohibited under Washington state law. 

In order for sports betting to become legal in Washington, the Legislature would need to vote to authorize it; most likely, a sixty percent majority would be required.

One of the Gambling Commission’s duties is to provide the Legislature with gambling regulatory information, which includes sports betting. We are currently reviewing the Supreme Court’s decision to determine its full impact on Washington State’s authority to enact its own sports gambling laws.

“This is a significant decision that will likely change the landscape of gambling in the United States,” said Director Dave Trujillo.

Media Contact: 

Heather Songer
Public Information Officer
Washington State Gambling Commission
(360) 486-3485 desk
(360) 584-2877 cell
pio@wsgc.wa.gov