It might pay off politically, but definitely not in the office pool.
Gov. Jay Inslee picked Eastern Washington, a 13th-seed, to win the NCAA championship over behemoth Kentucky.
Unfortunately for the governor, the Georgetown Hoyas toppled the Eagles 84-74 in a first-round game in Portland Thursday night, stifling an Eastern Washington rally.
The good news for Inslee: The penalty is most likely pride, not his pension. According to the Washington State Gambling Commission:
“Bracket pools, office sports pools, and fantasy sports have never been authorized as gambling activities in Washington State and are illegal.”
A longtime basketball fan, Inslee led Ingraham High School to an undefeated season and the state championship as a senior in 1969. The governor, 64, has continued to play during his time in office.
In a charity basketball game, Inslee’s squad of staffers and politicians narrowly defeated a team led by conservative radio host Dori Monson.
According to KIRO, Monson avenged his team’s loss by beating the governor 20-12 in a one-on-one game. Both players looked a little rusty.