It’s the first March Madness with sports betting in Washington, but you can’t put money on Gonzaga

SNOQUALMIE, Wash. — Hours before Thursday’s NCAA games, people came to Snoqualmie Casino’s Sportsbook window to place their bets.

“It’s very exciting. It can be a winning time or a losing time, depends what you pick,” said JT Woods, who was at the casino last week to bet on basketball and watch the games.

Sports betting at Washington tribal casinos began last fall in time for football season.

This is the first time it’s available for March Madness.

“Me and my buddies, the last 30 years we went to Reno for the basketball tournament, and it’s great to do it here, actually make the bet locally,” said Dave Whalen of Renton.

But there is something sports fans need to know before they place a March Madness wager.

“As much as we want to cheer for our Washington teams, unfortunately, you cannot bet on any Washington university,” said Snoqualmie Casino CEO Stanford Le.

That means no bets on Gonzaga because of a state rule.

“We do explain that. We make sure it’s prominent and well known,” Le said.

Still, there’s enough enthusiasm that the casino opened an overflow area during games last week.

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