Inside HB 2205: US Rep. Chris Stearns on betting reform
Washington State lawmakers are shaking up the sports betting scene again, wrestling with tribal rights and college game wagers through House Bill 2205 (HB 2205). This proposal tweaks the state’s tight rules, easing limits on in-state bets, while locking in tribal casinos as the only game in town.
HB 2205, which was introduced by Rep. Sharlett Mena and co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Stearns, who previously served as Chairman of the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC), aims to remove the state’s general restriction on betting on in-state collegiate teams while upholding strict consumer protections and outlawing prop bets. The bill also aligns with tribal gaming compacts by allowing wagering only through tribal operators, including limited, geofenced mobile betting on casino premises.
Recently, this bill has sparked opposition from Washington State University (WSU) and racetrack operators. At the same time, tribal governments have expressed support, provided no expansion to private or non-tribal mobile betting is introduced. Ahead of formal executive action on the bill, SiGMA News spoke exclusively with Stearns to discuss the political tensions surrounding HB 2205, the concessions made to retain tribal backing, and how lawmakers aim to address integrity risks in college sports.
Tribes remain the only legal sports betting operators
Legislators in Washington purposefully gave tribes sole authority over sports betting, citing decades of trust, strict regulations, and track records. Stearns claims that this arrangement is similar to the state’s overall gaming system, in which tribes are the only ones who run casinos.
Stearns said, “Right now, tribes are the only operators for sports betting in the state, and that was a deliberate decision the legislature made. They have a long track record of being strong operators and effective regulators working alongside the Gambling Commission.”
Stearns emphasised that this dual role has helped Washington avoid problems seen elsewhere. He added, “Every tribe has its own gaming agency. There have been no scandals, no organised crime concerns, and no major compliance issues. That history is why we’re comfortable keeping sports betting exclusively in tribal hands.”
What HB 2205 actually changes
HB 2205 does not broadly legalise college sports betting. Instead, it proposes a narrow adjustment: allowing wagers on in‑state collegiate teams while maintaining strict safeguards. The significant limitation remains intact; prop bets would still be prohibited.
Stearns explained, “This bill is not a total lifting of the ban on college sports betting. We are very intentionally keeping the prohibition on prop bets in place, because that’s where you see the greatest risk of manipulation and athlete targeting.”
Washington originally adopted Nevada’s restrictive model, banning all wagers on in‑state teams. Over time, lawmakers concluded that the approach failed to address the underlying issue. Stearns noted, “Banning all wagers doesn’t eliminate betting, it just pushes it into unregulated markets.”
Universities, particularly Washington State University, continue to oppose HB 2205. Their concerns center on athlete safety, integrity, and potential pressure on student‑athletes.
Stearns observed, “When sports betting authority was first created, universities pushed back very hard. Washington State University remains opposed, and I don’t expect that to change, even with the amendments we’re proposing.”
New felony protections for athletes
In response to rising national concerns about betting‑related harassment, Stearns plans to introduce a major amendment strengthening criminal penalties. He said, “The sole reason I am introducing this amendment is to protect players. Harassing athletes, coaches, officials, or their families would become a new criminal offence, treated as a felony.”
Stearns further argued that regulation itself is a powerful deterrent. He added, “Moving gaming into a regulated market gives law enforcement visibility and tools they simply don’t have when betting activity is pushed into the black or grey market.”
Why were racetracks and private operators excluded
Commercial gaming interests and racetracks have criticised the bill for reinforcing tribal exclusivity. Stearns said that the outcome was intentional. He clarified, “There was no intention to include racetracks or non‑tribal operators. Gaming works well in Washington. The tribal model has proven itself over decades. If it isn’t broken, there’s no reason to try to fix it.”
Stearns added that Washington’s clean regulatory record is a direct result of this structure. He noted, “The absence of crime or scandal in our gambling sector isn’t accidental, it’s the result of tight, responsible oversight.”
No Path to Statewide Mobile Betting
Despite ongoing advocacy for broader mobile wagering, Stearns made clear that HB 2205 is not a steppingstone toward statewide or non‑tribal mobile betting. He stated, “No, I don’t see this bill evolving into that. Voters are largely satisfied with how gambling operates today. Tribal casinos provide access without putting gambling in everyone’s pocket, and that balance matters here.”
Tribal compacts remain unchanged
HB 2205 does not modify tribal gaming compacts. Most existing compacts already include sports betting provisions, meaning the bill provides an option, not a mandate. Stearns clarified, “The legislature creates the law, but compacts are negotiated between the governor and the tribes. If a tribe chooses to amend its sports wagering compact, that’s their decision.”
Stearns said that although other states have taken strong action against prediction markets and sweepstakes casinos, HB 2205 is still quite specific. He explained, “This legislation only addresses wagering on in‑state collegiate sports. Unregulated gambling remains illegal in Washington. Our focus is ensuring regulated gaming stays safer than the alternatives.”
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