A report from Washington State University predicts rapid growth of the state’s tribal sports betting market in the next five years.
The study, which forecasts a $94 million industry by 2026, was presented to the Washington State Gambling Commission on November 16. It estimated that adding mobile sports betting would grow the pot appreciably, for a projected total of $322 million annually. Mobile bets aren’t yet legal in Washington.
The survey was conducted during the summer by the School of Hospitality Business Management. It showed that 59 percent of those surveyed called themselves sports fans, with 5 percent saying they make sports wagers at least once a month. Almost 14 percent say they’re likely to participate in the new industry.
Principal investigator Kahlil Philander commented, “When you think about recreational activities, participation from 14 percent of the population is significant.”
Last year the legislature authorized retail sports betting at tribal casinos; the Snoqualmie Tribe was first to launch in September 2021. Other tribes are expected to jump aboard in the coming months.
