Washington State Advances Bill to Strengthen Gambling Security

Washington state is taking steps to enhance gambling security with a new legislative proposal, House Bill 1222.

The bill aims to expand exemptions on public records, shielding sensitive financial and security data from potential threats.

Lawmakers stress that securing proprietary gambling information is crucial to preventing cyberattacks, fraud, and criminal exploitation.

If passed, the bill will introduce new protections for casinos, sportsbooks, and tribal gaming operators across the state.

Washington State Moves to Strengthen Gambling Security with House Bill 1222

Key Provisions of House Bill 1222

• Expands financial and security data exemptions under the Public Records Act.
• Protects gambling operators from cyber threats and financial fraud.
• Maintains public access to enforcement actions and regulatory decisions.

Why Washington Is Strengthening Gambling Security

Washington’s House Bill 1222 was introduced by Representatives Chris Stearns and Shelly Kloba at the request of the Washington State Gambling Commission.

The bill seeks to broaden public records exemptions to include additional categories of proprietary security and financial information submitted to or obtained by the regulator.

Gambling Industry at Risk

During a Senate hearing on March 14, lawmakers and industry experts emphasized the growing threats to gambling security, including:

• Cyberattacks targeting gaming networks and payment systems.
• Fraud schemes exploiting financial reporting loopholes.
• Unauthorized access to sensitive security protocols.

Rep. Chris Stearns highlighted the bill’s necessity, stating:

“We must ensure that financial and security data remains protected from those who may use it to exploit gaming operations.”

Security Concerns: Preventing an “Ocean’s 11” Scenario

Rep. Stearns compared the potential risks to an “Ocean’s 11” scenario, referencing the Hollywood film where a team of criminals pulls off a sophisticated casino heist.

Key security areas covered under HB 1222 include:

• Security camera placements and building layouts.
• Cash-handling procedures and cage security.
• Firewall configurations and network security.
• Gaming device test results and cryptographic software protections.

Tina Griffin, Director of the Washington State Gambling Commission, emphasized that the current exemptions, enacted in 2007, do not account for modern cybersecurity risks.

She added:

“Updating these protections is essential to safeguarding Washington’s gaming industry against evolving security threats.”

Maintaining Transparency While Strengthening Security

While HB 1222 expands confidentiality protections, it does not restrict public access to regulatory enforcement actions or complaints.

Key Transparency Safeguards:

• Regulatory actions and enforcement measures remain publicly accessible.
• Operators must still comply with state and tribal gaming regulations.
• The public can continue to report and track complaints against licensed operators.

Roland Thompson, representing the Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington, assured lawmakers that media access to regulatory decisions would not be compromised.

What’s Next for House Bill 1222?

The bill has already passed the House with a strong 73-21 vote and is now under review in the Senate’s State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee.

Key Timeline:

• March 14: Public hearing before the Senate Committee.
• Upcoming weeks: Committee review and potential Senate vote.
• 90 days post-session: If enacted, the law will take effect.

A Proactive Approach to Gambling Security

With House Bill 1222, Washington aims to enhance gaming security while maintaining public transparency.

The bill ensures that proprietary financial and security data remains protected from cyber threats and criminal exploitation.

As the state’s gambling industry grows, updating regulatory safeguards is crucial to maintaining integrity and public trust.

With strong legislative backing, HB 1222 is poised to reshape how Washington regulates gambling security for years to come.