With legal sports betting now active in most US states, the legislative focus has shifted from initial authorization to refining existing frameworks. These “Phase 2” updates aim to close regulatory gaps and capture revenue lost to offshore markets.
In the Pacific Northwest, Washington is weighing an expansion into in-state collegiate wagering to protect athletes while regulating fan interest. Meanwhile, Nebraska is moving toward the 2026 ballot to transition from retail-only betting to a fully mobile landscape. Here is the latest on these shifting legal fronts.
Betting On College Sports In Washington
On February 11, 2026, the Washington State Senate advanced Senate Bill 6137, a significant legislative shift that would legalize wagering on in-state collegiate athletics. Currently, sports betting in Washington is restricted to professional sports and out-of-state college teams, accessible only at physical tribal casinos or via on-premise mobile apps.
Key Provisions of SB 6137
The bill specifically targets the “grey market,” where residents currently use illicit offshore sites or prediction markets to bet on local favorites like the University of Washington Huskies, Washington State Cougars, and Gonzaga Bulldogs.
- Location Restrictions: Betting would remain confined to tribal casino properties.
- Player Protections: A crucial provision bans “prop bets” on individual student-athletes. This limitation aims to safeguard players from harassment and reduce the immense pressure placed on young athletes.
- Effective Date: Having passed the Senate 41–8 on February 11, the bill now heads to the House. If signed, it would take effect 90 days after the March adjournment—meaning it will not be active for the 2026 March Madness tournament.
Arguments and Outlook
Proponents, including Senator Adrian Cortes, argue that regulation is necessary to bring existing illegal activity into a safe, monitored environment. Conversely, opponents like Senator Jesse Salomon and representatives from WSU express concerns that even without individual prop bets, legalizing team wagers increases the risk of athlete exploitation.
The Push For Online Sportsbooks In Nebraska
The push for online sports betting in Nebraska has reached a pivotal milestone as the Secretary of State approved the final language for two major ballot petitions. While sports wagering is currently legal at physical racetrack casinos like WarHorse in Omaha and Lincoln, these new measures aim to bring the industry to mobile devices statewide.
The Two-Pronged Approach
The campaign, backed by WarHorse Casinos and the national Sports Betting Alliance, utilizes two distinct petitions:
- Constitutional Amendment: To formally authorize online sports wagering through licensed operators.
- Statutory Initiative: To establish specific regulations, including a 20% tax rate and a requirement that all betting platforms host their servers physically within Nebraska.
Path to the November 2026 Ballot
To succeed, organizers face rigorous signature requirements. The constitutional amendment requires roughly 125,000 valid signatures (10% of registered voters), while the statutory change needs about 88,000 (7%). Crucially, both must secure signatures from 5% of voters across at least 38 of Nebraska’s 93 counties.
Signature collection is set to begin immediately at casinos, post offices, and major public events. All signatures must be submitted by the July 3, 2026, deadline. If approved by voters, the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission would be mandated to finalize all operational rules and regulations by June 1, 2027.
