Washington has been slowly rolling out sports betting services across its casinos and operators are as happy as could be. Three of the state’s tribal casinos have betting services up and running, with two more expected to follow in the coming weeks.
Mobile Betting Meets Geofencing
Up until this month, Washington sports betting was limited to in-person, retail transactions at the casinos. Earlier this week, the Snoqualmie Tribe announced that it would launch a form of limited mobile betting using a geofencing technology called PinPoint.
The mobile betting app will be powered by IGT with security assistance from GeoComply. With the app, players can set their wagers from anywhere in or around the casino. This means that patrons don’t have to leave their table games to bet on the Wizards or the Capitals.
“To permit patrons to wager from within the Snoqualmie Casino and its immediate surroundings, while excluding areas like their convenience store, is a complex geolocation requirement that is made possible by our PinPoint technology. We are excited to be part of this new chapter of gaming in Washington State.”
Sam Basile, General Manager of PinPoint
Despite lacking the perks of full-blown mobile betting, it’s a step in the right direction. Mobile betting allows customers to set wagers in-game and to get payouts without waiting in line for the cashier.
Why Betting Should Be Expanded
Still, bettors have to drive to the Snoqualmie casino to enjoy any of these benefits.
This restricted betting still stands to bring casinos up to $94 million in annual revenues. This will translate to approximately 273 jobs for its residents. But the state will receive nothing in tax revenues, as that is what was negotiated in the compacts.
Everyone loses when the state forgoes remote mobile betting. If it were available, the state would be looking at revenue figures close to $322 million. Plus, the government would be able to tax sports betting at its various race tracks and card rooms.
The state may have gotten a bad deal but that doesn’t mean it can’t be amended in the future. Sports bettors should enjoy the services that are now available at their disposal. Nonetheless, bettors should also keep an eye out for future gambling legislation.
The Future of WA Betting
Washington’s tribes may have a monopoly on betting, but it isn’t likely to last. The demand for sports betting is only growing, far greater than the capacity of the state’s 5 casinos.
Given the massive tax revenues seen in other legal sports betting states, it would be difficult for Washington to keep forgoing the much-needed cash.
Until lawmakers realize the extent to which this hurts them, remote mobile betting is unlikely to make an appearance. Even so, bettors can access mobile sportsbooks operated by offshore groups. They’re safe, secure, and you don’t have to leave your home to play.
Source: SBC Americas
