Washington Sends College Prop Betting Bill to Governor as Massachusetts Lawmakers Advance Total Ban

Washington sends a college prop bet expansion bill to the Governor, while Massachusetts advances a total ban. Compare the 2026 sports betting regulations.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 11:02 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Gambling Insider

Washington’s Targeted Expansion of Collegiate Wagering

The Washington State Legislature has officially passed Senate Bill 6137, a measure designed to "bolster the regulated sports wagering industry" by expanding the types of bets available on college sports. After clearing the Senate with a 41-8 vote in February and receiving House approval on March 10, the bill now awaits the signature of Governor Jay Inslee. If enacted, the legislation will permit sportsbooks—currently limited to tribal casinos—to offer wagers on collegiate events, including those involving Washington-based teams. However, the bill maintains strict "integrity guardrails" by explicitly banning bets on the individual performance of athletes at Washington colleges, as well as coaching substitutions and officiating decisions.

Massachusetts Proposes Comprehensive Betting Restrictions

In sharp contrast, Massachusetts is advancing Senate Bill 302, a restrictive piece of legislation that seeks to eliminate nearly all forms of in-play and proposition wagering. The Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies recently reported the bill favorably, referring it to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for further review. Proponents of the ban argue that the fast-paced nature of prop and live betting contributes significantly to economic and social harms. If passed, the bill would restrict Massachusetts bettors to traditional straight bets placed before the commencement of a game, effectively dismantling a high-growth segment of the local digital sportsbook market.

Enhanced Consumer Protections and Surveillance

The Massachusetts proposal is not limited to a betting ban; it also introduces rigorous new consumer protection mandates. The legislation includes "affordability assessments" for high-volume bettors, requiring operators to verify that wagers exceeding $1,000 per day or $10,000 per month do not surpass 15 percent of a user’s available funds. Additionally, the bill mandates expanded data collection to support research into gambling addiction. These measures align with a recent Massachusetts Gaming Commission rule that requires sportsbooks to provide transparency when they "limit" successful bettors, informing them of the specific markets affected within 48 hours.