WSU is opposing proposed bills to permit wagering on collegiate athletics contests involving Washington-based universities, fearing harassment of student athletes.
WSU State Relations Director Chris Mulick noted earlier this session that “unfortunately there is nothing in this bill but trouble for WSU and our student athletes who are incredibly accessible both on campus and online.” Many college athletes have had on-campus contact with individuals that placed wagers on their games based on an NCAA survey of more than 6,800 students. “More than one in four basketball players and more than one in four football players have had on campus contact with individuals who placed bets on their games and more than one in three basketball players have been harassed online”
Mulick noted the bill fall shorts on holding individuals who are harassing student athletes accountable. Furthermore “the dramatic expansion of availability of sports gaming nationwide has yielded a rash of sport gaming scandals, making headlines as recently as last week and I note that we’re considering this legislation before it’s been determined whether the predictive markets business model will sustain legal rigor.”
You can view WSU State Relations Director, Chris Mulick and WSU Deputy Athletic Director, Brad Corbin’s remarks before the House Committee on State Government and Tribal Relations starting at 11 minutes and 36 seconds.