The 4-0 vote saw the Commission approve the final rules governing the certification and licensing of vendors who will work with Washington to provide sports betting. 

The rules are set to come into effect on 30 August, following majority approval on Wednesday.  

There will now need to be final approval of sport betting compacts, as it needs to be permitted at a federal level.  

There are currently 16 Washington State tribes awaiting final approval of the compacts that have just been approved by the Commission.  

In response to Wednesday’s vote, Rebecca George, Executive Director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA), felt this was a positive move.  

She said: “This vote by the Gambling Commission means Washington State tribes remain on track to be able to go live with sports betting on the premises of tribal casinos in the near future.  

“We applaud the effort and work the Gambling Commission and its staff have put into keeping this process moving forward in a timely and responsible way, and we are pleased that it appears interested adults in Washington State will soon be able to place wagers on sporting events in a safe and responsible way.

"Tribal sports betting will boost our economy and generate much-needed revenue to fund important services for communities across Washington.”