1. Washington Gambling Commission
2. Online Gambling Washington State
3. Gambling In Washington Pa

Bettors in Washington can make wagers on professional and collegiate sporting events. However, like a number of other states in the country, Washington residents will not be able to bet on local collegiate teams. The minimum gambling age is 18 or 21 if the establishment sells alcohol. Is mobile sports betting legal in Washington? Washington gambling laws allow casinos, horse racing, a state lottery, and most other forms of gaming. But they're strict when it comes to gambling online. Here we give you the most legitimate sites for players in Washington, including an overview of all their laws regarding online gambling. Best Casino Hotels in Washington on Tripadvisor: Find 6,543 traveler reviews, 2,186 candid photos, and prices for 19 casino hotels in Washington, United States.

The Evergreen State is heaven for gambling fans. Apart from betting on greyhound racing, almost all other land-based forms of gambling will be there waiting for you. However, make sure to follow all the rules and regulations, as Washington has severe penalties for disobeying the law.

The only thing missing at the moment is online gambling. While the majority of states have not regulated this activity yet, Washington explicitly prohibits any type of online gambling, including Daily Fantasy Sports. What is more, the law targets both players and operators.

This text is created to guide you through all the vital information about gambling in Washington. Inside, you will find the legal gambling options together with some recommendations for the places where you can try your luck. Wait no more, and let’s get right to business.

Top 3 Washington Casinos

Gambling Laws in Washington — The Law Overview

The Washington Revised Code states that gambling means: “staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the person’s control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that the person or someone else will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome. Gambling does not include fishing derbies as defined by this chapter, pari-mutuel betting and handicapping contests.”

Apart from the definition of gambling, The Evergreen State clearly defined all the allowed forms of gambling, each in a separate document.

The Washington Lottery Commission regulates the state lottery, as well as the multi-state lottery organizations. For monitoring the horse racing industry, the state assigned The Washington Horse Racing Commission. Except for these two, The Washington State Gambling Commission takes care of licensing and regulating all forms of gambling in the state.

Chapter 9.46 RCW of the 1973 Gambling Act has a list of all forms of gambling with a set of rules meant to regulate them. Also, there is a list that contains information regarding penalties for breaking the rules:

• Misdemeanor — Up to 90 days in county jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
• Gross Misdemeanor — Up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
• Class C Felony — Up to 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
• Class B Felony — Up to 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.

That said, let’s look at the forms of gambling that you can freely take part in when in Washington.

What Forms of Gambling are Allowed in Washington?

Washington is one of the states that allows almost all forms of gambling, except online gambling. Whatever your preference when it comes to games of chance, Washington most likely offers it.

It all started with betting on horse racing in 1933. You are allowed to visit the race tracks and place wagers on horses. Moreover, horse racing is the only form of gambling for which you can use online and mobile betting apps if a race track owns a valid license.

In 1963, bingo and raffles became legal behind the term charitable gambling. To be considered a charity, the organization must exist for “charitable, benevolent, eleemosynary, educational, civic, patriotic, political, social, fraternal, athletic, or agricultural” reasons. These nonprofit organizations are obliged to register with local jurisdictions, which further regulates its operation.

Washington Gambling Commission

The lottery has been there for the residents of Washington since 1982. Lottery tickets and scratch-off cards are both available in the state. You can find them almost everywhere — convenience stores, gas stations, and official lotto vendor places. There are also multi-state lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions that people in Washington gladly take part in.

Yet, the form of gambling most people are interested in is casino gambling. Washington stands firm in that sense, as it has numerous tribal casinos in operation since 1992. They are mostly small establishments that must sign a compact with the state. The casinos are equally distributed throughout the state and offer table games like slots, roulette, craps, and video poker.

Finally, there are card clubs where you can find blackjack, baccarat, and proprietary games. Card clubs do not offer table games that you can find in tribal casinos, and vice versa.

Now, the only thing missing to make a gambling scene complete in Washington is online gambling. Is online gambling completely forbidden, or is there a loophole regarding it in the state?

Is Online Gambling Legal in Washington?

Although many other forms of gambling legally exist in Washington, online gambling is not one of them. Quite the contrary, online gambling is explicitly prohibited in The Evergreen State.

To make sure that Washington residents will take the matter seriously, the laws about online gambling are available in black and white. The Washington State Gambling Commission officially states that: “TheWashington State Constitution (Article II Section 24) prohibits all gambling activities unless the activity is specifically authorized in State law. Internet gambling has never been authorized and is illegal in Washington State.”

In 2006, the Washington State Legislature made amendments to RCW 9.46.240, thus making it clear that online gambling is not allowed by any means.

The definition covers almost everything, including gamble on the Internet and installing or maintaining equipment to send or receive gambling information. Even Daily Fantasy Sports fall under this regulation. In short, you are not allowed to facilitate Internet gambling in any way.

The Constitution targets not only the players but the operators as well. The penalty for transmitting gambling information that was once considered a gross misdemeanor changed into a class C felony.

Until the state handles this issue and makes online gambling legal, you might want to check other options for displaying your gambling skills. Luckily, there are many waiting to be discovered.

Where to Gamble in Washington?

We already clarified that online gambling and greyhound racing is not available in Washington. However, apart from that, everything else is legal in The Evergreen State. Below you will find our top choices that will provide you with the best entertainment.

Tulalip Resort Casino

Tulalip Resort Casino is great for anyone interested in more than just gambling. This establishment incorporates both slots and table games into its offer. The casino takes pride in paying over 5 million dollars in jackpots monthly! Apart from your favorite games and exciting jackpots, Tulalip offers food and accommodation that won’t disappoint you. Even if you are stressed, don’t worry, as the resort features a spa where you can indulge in a relaxing massage you keep postponing. Find it at 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd, Tulalip, WA 98271.

Angel of the Winds Casino

Located at 3438 Stoluckquamish Ln, Arlington, WA 98223 and open 24/7, Angel of the Winds Casino offers a wide range of table games, slots, and keno. While you can book a room like anywhere else, you can also choose one of their packages that combine it with Xciting Xtras to make your stay more enjoyable. The establishment has several restaurants and as many bars that will always leave you craving for more. However, don’t trust us and see for yourself.

Muckleshoot Casino

This is a casino that offers all the games listed above with the addition of bingo and off-track betting. Also, when you find yourself there, you will be able to buy your weekly lottery ticket, in case you forgot to do so. Dining options are diverse as well, from a quick bite place to 5-star restaurants. If you are a non-smoker, don’t be worried about not being able to breathe, as the casino has a separate section for people who choose a healthy lifestyle. Look for it at 2402 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA 98002 whenever you feel like, as it is open for 24 hours every day.

FAQ

What types of gambling are available in Washington?

In Washington, you can legally place bets on horse racing, take part in the lottery or charity games, or visit tribal casinos and card clubs.

Is online gambling allowed in Washington?

No, online gambling is explicitly illegal in Washington, and the ban applies to both players and operators.

What is the minimum gambling age for allowed forms of gambling in Washington?

To be able to gamble in casinos in Washington, you must be 21. Everyone above 18 is allowed to participate in bingo and pari-mutuel wagering.

Who regulates gambling activities in Washington?

The government agency in charge of enforcing gambling laws and regulations in the state of Washington is the Washington State Gambling Commission.

Is greyhound betting legal in Washington?

No, placing bets on greyhound racing is not allowed in The Evergreen State.

Washington gambling laws allow casinos, horse racing, a state lottery, and
most other forms of gaming.

But they’re strict when it comes to gambling online.

In addition to discussing Washington’s online gambling laws, we’ll also
cover offshore gaming sites, land-based gambling laws in Washington, where to gamble in Washington, Washington’s
gambling history and the future of gambling in Washington

Online Gambling and Washington Law

Is Online Gambling Legal in Washington?

No, online gambling is not legal in Washington. The Washington Revised Code
strictly prohibits the transmission of gambling information over the internet.
This law applies to both players and operators.

Washington is one of the few states with specific laws on the books about
online gambling.

Here’s what the Washington State Gambling Commission website says about
internet gambling:

“The Washington
State Constitution (Article II Section 24) prohibits all gambling activities
unless the activity is specifically authorized in State law. Internet gambling
has never been authorized and is illegal in Washington State.

To further clarify this, in 2006, the Washington State Legislature amended RCW
9.46.240 to affirmatively state that Internet gambling is illegal in
Washington State.

The penalty for transmitting gambling information was also increased from a
gross misdemeanor to a class C felony.

It is illegal to:

• Operate an Internet gambling site.
• Gamble on the Internet.
• Install or maintain equipment to send or receive gambling information.
• Facilitate Internet gambling in any way.”

Can I Get Arrested for Gambling Online in Washington?

Yes, you can get arrested for gambling online in Washington. It’s a felony to
gamble online in Washington, which seems like a strict penalty when compared to
many other states, where it’s usually a misdemeanor.

But we couldn’t find record of any individual who has been arrested for
gambling online in Washington.

Law enforcement in Washington doesn’t have much interested in pursuing
individual online gamblers; they’re interested in residents who are running
illegal casinos online and on land.

Is Washington Going to Legalize Online Gaming?

It’s safe to say that since Washington went to the length of specifically
prohibiting online gambling and making it a felony, they most likely won’t
legalize online gambling.

Although Washington gambling sites could bring revenue into the state, it
seems that Washington is set on outlawing all forms of online gambling.

It’s possible that with some political changes and a push from the current
casinos, online gambling could come to Washington, but it would be a long time
before we saw any change.

How Do I Choose a Good Online Gaming Site?

Our best advice to all our readers is to follow the laws in your state. But
if you’re going to risk it, you can find Washington gambling sites operating in
other countries. These are companies who don’t mind skirting the legal situation
in the state.

If you decide to play at one of these sites, you need to take appropriate
steps to find one that’s legitimate.

Choosing a good online gaming site can be easy if you know what to look for.

• Deposit Options

  Check the deposit options available on the site. If you
  don’t feel comfortable using the deposit options available, look for a different
  site. Also check the withdrawal options.

• Game Variety

  Look into the all the games that the site offers. You want to
  make sure there’s enough content to keep you entertained.

• Read Reviews

  Read reviews from current or past members of the site. Reading
  reviews can be the most crucial part of your research because it gives you the
  best idea of what you can expect from the website.

• Talk to Customer Service

  Email, call, or live chat with the customer
  service team of the website you’re considering. You don’t have to have a real
  question; just come up with anything. The point of contacting the customer
  service department is to see how professional and quick they are.

• Read the Small Print

  Read the fine print on the sign-up promotions. Some
  promotions seem too good to be true, and they usually are. Reading the fine
  print about the promotion tells you how much you have to wager or how long you
  have to be a member before you get the promotional value.

Are Offshore Gambling Sites Safe?

Checking how long a site has been in business and reviewing their licenses
can let you know if a site is safe.

For any business to stay open, they have to have customers. Check how long
the site has been in business and it will give you a good idea about if they
have loyal customers that are happy with the site. A site that has been open 10
years has more loyal customers and more reviews than a site that has been open
10 months.

Offshore gambling sites have different restrictions and regulations when
getting their license than businesses in the U.S. do. Read into the details of
the regulations they have to follow to learn about the fees and restrictions the
site might have.

Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Washington?

No, daily fantasy sports are illegal in Washington.

Here’s what the Washington State Gambling Commission Spots Wagering page says
about it:

“In 1973, when the Gambling Act was first passed 100 square sports pool
boards were authorized. We believe these boards were popular at the time and
that’s why they were specifically authorized. We understand the NCAA basketball
“Final Four” tournament and the bracket pools often associated with the
tournament increased in popularity after 1979 when ESPN aired on television.
However, bracket pools, office sports pools, and fantasy sports have never been
authorized as gambling activities in Washington State and are illegal.”

Also On This Page

More Gambling Laws in Washington

• Casino Games (Legal)
• Lottery (Legal)
• Sports and Race Betting (Parimuteul Only)
• Bingo (Charitable games only)
• Social Gambling (Illegal Eith Exceptions)

The Washington Revised Code defines gambling as:

“staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of
chance or a future contingent event not under the person’s control or influence,
upon an agreement or understanding that the person or someone else will receive
something of value in the event of a certain outcome. Gambling does not include
fishing derbies as defined by this chapter, parimutuel betting and handicapping
contests”

Casino Games: Legal

Casinos can be found throughout Washington. Most casinos in Washington are
tribal casinos.

Tribal casinos are authorized for class three games, so you can find your
favorite casino games, including craps, poker, blackjack, and roulette, at these
casinos.

Here’s a list of the authorized card games that card rooms in these casinos
can offer:

Sports and Race Betting: Parimutuel Only

Parimutuel, or pool betting, is legal in Washington.

Here’s what the Washington State Gambling Commission Sports Wagering page
says:

“Both businesses and individuals may offer 100 square sports pool boards.
Strict rules must be followed when offering them (RCW 9.46.0335).

• Each business or individual may offer only one board on any single athletic event.
• The board must be divided into 100 squares.
• You may charge up to one dollar per square. Each player must be charged the same entry fee (up to one dollar per square).
• Each player picks a square and their name is written in the square.
• Numbers representing game scores are randomly assigned to each square.

You should develop and post house rules for how the sports pool board will be
operated. For example, a deadline for collecting prize money, winner
identification, requirements for someone other than a winner collecting a prize,
what will happen if there is a tie, and how money will be distributed if a
winning square is not sold.

The sports pool board must be available for inspection by anyone purchasing a
square, Gambling Commission agents, and other law enforcement representatives.

These limitations apply to all sporting events equally (Super Bowl, Final
Four, etc.).

It is illegal to have a sports pool board where you:

• Have more than one board per athletic event;
• Offer anything other than 100 squares;
• or Charge more than one dollar per square.

The 100 square sports pool board is the only sports wagering authorized in
Washington State law.”

Greyhound racing is illegal in Washington. Here’s what the Washington Revised
Code says about greyhound racing:

“A person may not hold, conduct, or operate live greyhound racing for public
exhibition, parimutuel betting, or special exhibition events, if such activities
are conducted for gambling purposes. A person may not transmit or receive
intrastate or interstate simulcasting of greyhound racing for commercial,
parimutuel, or exhibition purposes, if such activities are conducted for
gambling purposes.

A person who violates this section is guilty of a class B felony, under RCW
9.46.220, professional gambling in the first degree, and is subject to the
penalty under RCW 9A.20.021″

Lottery: Legal

Washington has a state-regulated lottery.

Here’s what the Washington state lottery website says:

“In addition to Washington’s Lottery players who took home $432.9 million
last year, the Lottery helps fund and support people and communities all over
the state. From the student who receives a college grant, to the convenience
store owner supporting his family, to the CenturyLink Stadium employee,
Washington’s Lottery continues to contribute to the well-being of others with
its proceeds.”

The Washington state lottery revenue goes toward:

• Winners 61.6%
• WOPA Education 18.3%
• Cost of Sales 6.3%
• Retailers 5.1%
• Stadium & Exhibition Center 1.7%
• General Fund 4.5%
• Administration 2.1%
• Economic Development 0.4%
• And problem gambling

Washington state lottery games include:

• Power Ball
• Mega Millions
• Lotto
• Hit 5
• Match 4
• Daily Game
• Daily Keno
• And scratch off cards

Bingo: Charitable Games Only

Social card games, dice games, bingo, raffles, and more are all legal for
charitable and nonprofit organizations to run in Washington.

Here’s what the Washington charitable gaming laws say about charitable and
nonprofit organization gambling activities:

“The legislature hereby authorizes bona fide charitable or nonprofit
organizations to conduct bingo games, raffles, amusement games, and fund raising
events, and to utilize punch boards and pull-tabs and to allow their premises
and facilities to be used by only members, their guests, and members of a
chapter or unit organized under the same state, regional, or national charter or
constitution, to play social card games authorized by the commission, when
licensed, conducted or operated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and
rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.”

Social card games, punch boards, and pull tab games are also legal at
restaurants. Here’s what the Washington charitable gaming laws say about it:

“The legislature hereby authorizes any person, association or organization
operating an established business primarily engaged in the selling of food or
drink for consumption on the premises to conduct social card games and to
utilize punch boards and pull-tabs as a commercial stimulant to such business
when licensed and utilized or operated pursuant to the provisions of this
chapter and rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.”

Social gambling: Illegal With Exceptions

Washington gambling laws are based off three elements, which are a prize,
wagering, and chance. In order for it to be gambling, all three elements have to
be present, and if one of them is missing, it’s not considered gambling.

Washington residents can play any casino game in their home, as long as it’s
missing one of the three elements of gambling.

Here’s a list of the tribal casinos located in Washington:

1) Lucky Eagle Casino

12888 188th Avenue SW,

Rochester, WA 98579

(360) 273-2000

2) Coulee Dam Casino

515 Birch Street,

Coulee Dam, WA 99116

1-800-556-7492

3) Mill Bay Casino

455 E. Wapato Lake Rd,

Manson, WA 98831

1-800-648-2946

4) 12 Tribes Resort

28968 Highway 97,

Omak, WA 98841

1-800-559-4643

5) Ilani Casino Resort

1 Cowlitz Way,

Ridgefield, WA 98642

1-877-464-5264

6) 7 Cedars Casino

270756 Hwy 101,

Sequim, WA 98382

(360) 683-7777

7) Northern Quest Casino

100 N. Hayford Road,

Airway Heights, WA 99001

(509) 242-7000

8) Silver Reef Casino

4876 Haxton Way,

Ferndale, WA 98428

(360) 383-0777

9) Muckleshoot Casino

2402 Auburn Way S.,

Auburn, WA 98002

(800) 804-4944

10) Muckleshoot Bingo

2117 Auburn Way S,

Auburn, WA 98002

(253) 735-2404

11) Red Wind Casino

12819 Yelm Hwy SE,

Olympia, WA 98513

(360) 412-5000

12) The Point Casino

7989 Salish Lane NE,

Kingston, WA 98346

(360) 297-0070

13) Emerald Queen Casino at I-5

2024 E. 29th St.,

Tacoma, WA 98404

(253) 594-7777

14) EQC at FIFE

5700 Pacific Highway E,

Fife, WA 98424

(253) 594-7777

15) Quinault Beach Resort & Casino

78 State Route 115,

Ocean Shores, WA 98569

(360) 289-4466

14) Lucky Dog Casino

19330 US-101,

Skokomish, WA 98584

(360) 877-5656

17) Snoqualmie Casino

37500 SE North Bend Way,

Snoqualmie, WA 98065

(425) 888-1234

18) Chewelah Casino

2555 Smith Road,

Chewela, WA 99109

(509) 258-9845

19) Two Rivers Casino

6828-B Highway 25 South,

Davenport, WA 99122

1-800-954-2946

20) Little Creek Casino Resort

91 West State Route 108,

Shelton, WA 98584

(360) 427-7711

21) Angel of the Winds Casino

3438 Stoluckaguamish Lane,

Arlington, WA 98223

(360) 474-9740

22) Suquamish Clearwater Resort

15347 Suquamish Way NE,

Suquamish, WA 98392

(360) 598-8700

23) Suquamish Casino

12885 Casino Drive,

Anacortes, WA 98221

(360) 293-2691

24) Tulalip Resort Casino

10200 Quil Ceda Blvd,

Tulalip, WA 98270

(360) 716-6000

25) Skagit Valley Casino

5984 N. Dark Lane,

Bow, WA 98232

(360) 724-7777

26) Yakama Legends Casino

580 E. Fort Road,

Toppenish, WA 98948

(509) 865-8800

History of Gambling in Washington

Washington legalized pari-mutuel wagering on horse races.

The Gambling Commission oversees charity gambling including bingo, pull tabs, raffles, and casio nights.

Washington Signs it’s first compact with a native tribe to open casinos.

Card rooms that offer non banked games are legalized outside of tribal lands.

Online Gambling Washington State

Internet gambling is made a felony for both players and operators.

The poker Players Alliance goes to the Supreme Court to question the Internet gambling ban, but fails with the Supreme Court choosing to back the state.

Gambling In Washington Pa

A bill is put forward to regulate intra state poker in Washington but it doesn’t make it far before it’s rejected.

Additional Resources

Washington Gambling Future

Washington has legalized plenty of gambling, including casinos, social
gambling, charitable gambling, a lottery, and parimutuel horse racing.

But Washington gambling sites seem to be out of the question.

Since Washington has strictly prohibited daily fantasy sports online and made
gambling online a felony for both players and operators, it’s unlikely
Washington will ever have a state-regulated gambling site.