The Washington State Senate has passed a bill that would legalise sports betting on in-state college teams, including Gonzaga, the University of Washington, and Washington State University.

The bill, which aims to regulate the currently unregulated grey market for such bets, now moves to the State House for consideration.

Sports betting in Washington is only legal at tribal casinos or through casino-affiliated mobile apps. Legalizing betting on in-state college teams would provide a regulated market, but opponents argue it could put pressure on student athletes.

Senate Bill 6137 would allow sports betting on Washington-based college teams, but would prohibit bets on individual athletes. Supporters say this is to help protect student-athlete safety and prevent harassment.