Washington Sportsbetting Bill Advances

A bill that would legalize and regulate sportsbetting within the state of Washington took an important step toward passage, as it passed through the state Senate's Ways and Means Committee yesterday.

The bill would legalize and authorize the creation of both land-based and online sportsbetting within Washington's borders. It's formally known as House Bill 2638, and was introduced alongside Senate Bill 6394. With the passage, the bill will now move onto the Senate Rules Committee, where it'll be debated. If it gets through that section, it will move to the general Senate, where it'll once again be debated and voted on. If it gets through there, it'll move to the desk of Governor Jay Inslee, who can sign it into law or veto it.

The bill had previously passed through the House last month with a margin of 83-14.

We're following the story and will update readers as we learn more.