Washington State Bans Player Props and Live Betting Amid Growing Concerns

Washington state became the first state to ban player prop bets and live in-game wagering. The law blocks bets on player performances and wagers made during games. Meanwhile, Ohio lawmakers are considering stricter gambling rules.

These changes could reshape sports betting nationwide and force sportsbooks to change how they operate and attract customers.

What the Ban Means for Bettors

According to a report from Governing Magazine, the Washington law focuses on two betting styles that have become very popular in recent years. Player prop bets allow people to wager on individual statistics, such as how many points a basketball player scores or how many passing yards a quarterback throws for. Live betting lets people place wagers during a game while the odds constantly change in real time.

Under the new law, Washington bettors can still place regular bets before games begin, like betting on who will win or the total score. However, they can no longer make bets on player performances or place wagers once a game has started.

Lawmakers say the goal is to reduce impulsive gambling. They believe live betting and player props encourage people to place fast decisions and chase losses during games. Because live betting moves quickly, bettors can make many wagers in a short amount of time, increasing the risk of losing money rapidly.

These betting options are also extremely important for sportsbooks. Industry analysts say player props and live betting often make up more than half of all wagers placed on major sports apps. These bets keep users active throughout games instead of only before kickoff or tip-off. Removing them could lower betting activity and reduce profits for sportsbooks operating in Washington.

Impact on Sportsbooks

The ban creates new challenges for sportsbook companies. Many betting apps are designed around offering hundreds of betting choices during games. Live betting and player props are some of their biggest attractions because they keep customers engaged longer.

Without these features, sportsbooks may see lower customer activity and less revenue in Washington. Companies may try to keep users interested by offering better odds on regular pregame bets or increasing promotions on the remaining betting options.

Other states are paying close attention to Washington’s decision. Ohio lawmakers are already discussing stricter gambling rules, especially around advertising and easy access through smartphones. If Washington’s approach is viewed as successful, more states could adopt similar restrictions.

A Growing Regulatory Trend

Washington’s new law reflects a larger shift in how states view sports betting regulation. When sports gambling first became regulated in many states, lawmakers focused mostly on creating markets and collecting tax revenue. Now, regulators are paying more attention to how different types of betting may affect consumers.

Live betting and player props create constant opportunities to place wagers during games. Instead of making one bet before a game starts, a bettor might place many bets throughout the event. Regulators worry that this fast-paced environment can make gambling more addictive and harder for people to control.

Some lawmakers compare the nonstop action of live betting to slot machines because both are designed to keep users constantly engaged. They fear this could make problem gambling worse, especially for younger bettors who use mobile apps frequently.

If Washington’s law leads to lower gambling issues or reduced losses, other states may see it as a model for future regulation. That could mean sports betting rules become very different depending on where people live. Some states may continue allowing all forms of betting, while others may place stricter limits on what sportsbooks can offer.