Overcoming political obstacles that prevented sports betting in the state of Washington, Trial Casinos have been allowed to launch sports betting in the state of Washington, helping them to provide sportsbooks to visitors in time for the start of the National Football League season on September 9, 202. The United States Department of Interior (DOI) has approved the sports gambling compact amendments for Spokane, Tulalip, Cowlitz, Lummi, Puyallup, Squaxin, Suquamish, Snoqualmie, and Stillaguamish tribes. More applications from Kalispel, Swinomish, Muckleshoot, Jamestown S’Klallam, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Shoalwater Bay are under process and are currently pending.

Revenue from sports betting

The intention was to set up operations in time for the start of the National Football League regular season on September 9, 2021, that is less than a week away.  The National Football League expects revenue in the range of $270 million that is in [art due to sports betting and partnerships with sports betting operators. A few tribes who have received permission are in the final stages of setting up such as finalization of vendors to carry out sports betting activities and are expected to be ready to provide sports betting services on their platforms to users by the start of the National Football League season on September 9, 2021.

The National Football League is the biggest sports betting draw and in these economically challenging times on account of the global pandemic, tribes need money to provide services to society such as healthcare and education. The National Football League is also open to the sports betting industry and has itself teamed up with some operators who are considered reputable in the sports betting industry.

CEO and President of Snoqualmie Casino, Stanford Le stated that tribes are working tirelessly with vendors, Washington State Gaming Commission, and Snoqualmie Gambling Commission in submitting licenses and to ensuring that they are ready in time for the National Football League opening week.

Washington’s historic moment

Rebecca George, Executive Director, Washington Indian Gaming Association commented in a statement released by her office that the approvals are a historic landmark for the state of Washington and that regulated sports betting activities are expected to begin in the next two months at trial gambling facilities. However, Rebecca George, in a subsequent interview did not make any comment as regards a time frame in which consumers would be allowed to bet in casinos.

Rebecca George commented that much will depend on the time frame in which the casinos implement the measures as are duly determined that include measures such as navigation of potential logistics issues, security, and bureaucratic issues, securing approval of vendors, etc. Rebecca George warned against haste and mentioned that change will require time because the casinos are to provide products and services in a safe manner and regulated manner and that consumers are now witnessing a careful and methodical approach to gambling that has always been the case.