Washington Gambling Laws

• State law permits the lottery to enter interstate drawings. The minimum Washington gambling age is 18 years of age to enter. Washington casinos are allowed to raise the minimum gambling age to 21 years if alcohol is sold and served. Card clubs pay a tax rate of 20 percent on gaming revenue.
• State law allows cities, counties or towns to tax raffles at a maximum rate of 5% of net receipts; the first $10,000 cannot be taxed. What is a 50/50 Raffle? In a 50/50 raffle, 50% of the proceeds from ticket sales are awarded to one winner with the remaining 50% going to the charitable/ nonprofit organization operating the raffle. 50/50 raffles can be offered by both licensed and unlicensed organizations.

(1)(a) The legislature recognizes that some individuals in this state have a gambling problem or gambling disorder. Because the state promotes and regulates gambling through the activities of the state lottery commission, the Washington horse racing commission, and the Washington state gambling commission, the state has the responsibility to continue to provide resources for the support of.

Gambling is in a strange position in the United States. While it is unquestionably one of the most popular hobbies in the country with its popularity still growing, it exists in a very hazy legal realm in most of the nation’s 50 states. Perhaps this contributes to why gambling is popular. Maybe, especially to the types of personalities drawn to gambling anyway, part of the appeal is the vague sense of danger one gets from occupying the legal gray area of gambling in the United States. Then again, maybe it’s just that the gambling laws are confusing. We will clear up Washington gambling laws in this article

According to the federal government, the act of gambling, betting and wagering is not a criminal act. Federal laws like the Wire Act of 1961 and the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) passed in 1992 strictly regulate and restrict the facilitation of gambling and sports betting, but leave the person or persons merely placing a bet largely untouched.

This seems simple, but unfortunately, where the situation gets more complicated is when individual state’s laws begin to creep up as well. Washington is one such state in which gambling legislation gets more complicated than the federal laws that govern the country. The following page will attempt to guide Washington residents step by step through the laws and policies that affect their ability to gamble, as well as advise them on the safest routes to take.

The Legality of Land-Based Gambling in Washington

The terms of gambling legally as laid out by the Washington State legislature are confusing at best. While it’s true that RCW 9.46.0237 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,” this is not defined as an actual criminal offense anywhere within the law.

Where the state law does go so far as to say the act of betting or wagering on any outcome reliant upon chance is “illegal” (meaning defined as such an action in the law) it is not a “criminal” action since no framework for punishment of the crime has been defined. This means that while anyone who gambles on games of chance or bets on any future events (sports matches, award ceremonies, political races, etc.) is technically in violation of the law, they will not be arrested or prosecuted since there are no criminal punishments for this act.

In fact, Washington legislation even goes so far as to protect the institution of gambling by outlawing “cheating” during a gambling event. Consulting with RCW 9.46.196 reveals cheating defined as any attempt to manipulate the outcome using a device or bribery. Depending on the severity of the crime, this can classify from an aggravated misdemeanor which can result in a year in prison and a $5,000 fine all the way up to a class C felony. In addition to staying on a Washington resident’s record for many years, a class C felony can result in up to five year imprisonment along with a $35,000 fine. If a gambler takes up residence in Washington, they are strongly advised not to cheat!

With all this legislation revolving around gambling, Washington residents may think they are in the clear no matter what. As long as they avoid cheating, they should avoid any legal attention for merely placing bets and wagers, but they must be careful to avoid what the state of Washington would consider “professional gambling.”

The charge of “professional gambling,” just like cheating classifies as an aggravated misdemeanor up to a class C felony, and carries with it the same jail time and legal fines, which can set a Washington resident’s life back majorly.

Difference Between Gambling & Professional Gambling

While “gambling” is an act that is not criminalized in the state of Washington and “professional gambling” is a serious felony that will almost certainly grab the attention of the authorities, the good news is that the two actions are actually fairly distinct.

Whereas “gambling” means simply the act of betting or wagering based on chance, “professional gambling” entails facilitating these games in such a way that the guilty party makes a profit off of them. This means that in order to be considered guilty of professional gambling, an offender must not only facilitate gambling on a game of chance (perhaps by spinning a roulette wheel, offering a slot machine, or running an illicit sportsbook) they must also make a profit off of the action.

To be clear, making a profit does not mean gambling along with fellow players on an even playing field. One may profit off of gambling by collecting money off a game as the “house,” off of other people’s bets as a “bookmaker,” or charging admission for the privilege to play. By simply avoiding these specific actions, gamblers in Washington should be able to avoid any legal hassles for breaking Washington gambling laws for land based gambling in the state.

The Legality of Gambling Online in Washington

Of all the 50 states, Washington is the only one with such stringent policies written and applied to online gambling.

In section RCW 9.46.240, Washington clearly specifies the internet as a tool by which it is illegal to transmit any information regarding gambling, bets or wagers. In a direct contrast to land based gambling law where the act of placing a bet is not even a criminal act, using the internet to transmit any gambling information, whether you are casually gambling or engaging in “professional gambling” via the internet, is an automatic class C felony.

Any resident caught in violation of this law can be sentenced up to five years in prison and $35,000 making the State of Washington the hardest on online gambling by a significant margin.

If there is a silver lining to the dark cloud of gambling law in Washington, it’s that even though in accordance with the letter of the law using the internet to gamble is just as serious a crime as running a gambling website, it has not been enforced accordingly. In fact, since the laws inception in 2006, no resident of Washington has ever been brought up on charges for merely using the internet to gamble, but several online gambling rings were broken up where the webmasters and their employees were convicted.

While gambling sites that function legally overseas are incredibly discrete with information from US residents and there has yet to be an arrest for simply using one of these sites, it’s still a risk to sign up with these. All the sites indexed below are the personal favorites of everyone associated with WashingtonGamblingLaws.com and we vouch for their discretion and security, but a felony charge is nothing to be trifled with. We recognize that, and simply say that options exist for Washington residents to gamble online that have been safe and sound for as long as the internet gambling laws have been in place.

Laws on Gambling In Washington

When the PASPA was passed through the federal courts in 1992, there were a few states that were exempt. Unfortunately, Washington was not one of them. While the gambling laws have not criminalized the simple act of betting on the outcome of a sports event, the steep legal penalty for facilitating such betting has drastically limited options for Washington residents.

While there are several online sportsbooks that have thus far provided a safe home for thousands of Washington residents, the fact that it is a felony charge to do so still remains. Even though no Washington resident has ever been brought up on such charges, the steep penalties certainly make it at least a bit of a risk.

While the state of Washington has not specifically licensed any brick and mortar casinos to host casino games, there are an incredibly large number of federally exempt tribal casinos within the state of Washington, enough that one may become a regular gambler in Washington and never actually notice they do not live in a state with authorized gambling.

While it’s technically “unlawful” (not criminalized) to participate in any gambling games, the leeway of the law as well as the availability of these exempt casinos should provide plenty of outlets for Washington residents to gamble on games of chance like roulette, blackjack, or slot machines.

As one of the most popular means of betting and wagering across the country, many states write in exemptions for the game of poker in their gambling laws. Thankfully, Washington is one such state. Since poker is considered in the court to be a game of “skill” and not “chance,” there are several state sanctioned card rooms all throughout the territory where residents may check in and play a couple hands of poker.

However, even though these games of skill are not technically considered to be “gambling,” it is worth noting that Washington legislation specifically outlaws online poker, declaring the facilitation or even participation in online poker a class C felony which could result in up to five years of jail time and a $35,000 fine. Even though there has never been a case of a Washington resident brought up on charges for merely participating in online poker, this is an incredibly steep penalty and one that at least deserves some thought.

Legal Gambling Age In Washington

One way to complicate the legal gambling situation in Washington even further is to attempt to gamble underage. In a state where there are plenty of legal gambling outlets, there is no reason for a resident to potentially ruin the opportunity to one day gamble legally for themselves simply so that they may gamble a little earlier, especially in a state where Washington gambling laws allow the generous minimum age of 18.

Those found to be gambling underage will not only be banned from the premises of wherever they are found gambling and be asked to forfeit their winnings, they will surely face penalties from the state like steep legal fees and community service time.

Where to Gamble in Washington

On-Land: Washington residents who want to gamble on land have many options scattered throughout their home state. While casino games are technically outlawed in the state, with such a vast selection of federally exempt tribal casinos, it’s reasonable to expect to find a facility in which to play some slots or a roulette wheel somewhere within driving distance.

Washington is also a major hub for poker rooms. In addition to all the tribal casinos which offer up participation in live poker tournaments, many state sanctioned standalone poker rooms operate, leaving Washington residents with several options to get their social poker fix.

Still, in such a large state landmass wise, these facilities are spread out and there’s no guarantee you will find a facility even within an afternoon’s drive. While even a longer drive can beat an expensive flight to Vegas, there are just not many top-tier casinos to choose from in Washington State.

Online/Web-Based: For Washington residents who wish to gamble from the comfort of their own home, there are several online gambling websites that will accept memberships from them. While it needs to be noted that online gambling in Washington is a serious crime that could result in a $35,000 fine and up to five years in prison, it must also be noted that no Washington resident has ever been brought up on charges purely for gambling online.

All of the websites this page lists are discrete with your information and as safe as can possibly be for gamblers who call Washington home, but it is still a risk to take that is completely up to the individual to decide.

However, unlike illicit land based gambling rings, the fact that these online gambling sites operate legally in their native countries carries a couple of key advantages. Firstly, the fact that they are a legal and legitimate operation means that there should be no concern of them being shut down and therefore forfeiting all funds tied up in their accounts. This means that these online gambling networks can keep their clients’ money safe. Secondly, in order to function legally, they need to be certified by reputable international gaming commissions. This means that not only will players be guaranteed fair play, but efficient and speedy payouts.

Top Legal Gambling Site For Washington Residents

Bovada - Best Sports Betting Payouts in the Northwest

For Washington residents, the Bovada online gambling network is obvious choice. No other website takes as much care with its user’s personal information as this gambling site for Washington residents. There are thousands of Bovada members in Washington to this day who manage to log on and enjoy poker, sports betting, and even some online casino games free from any legal interference.

Perhaps the most enticing offer to new members are the many promotions that new players are qualified for just for registering with the website. When you wish to join the online sportsbook at Bovada, you will find that when you initially deposit money into your account not only did everything you deposited make it over safe and sound, but that you qualify for a full 50% of your deposit all the way up to $250 back in the form of bonus money. If you wish to use your money to play poker, you may qualify for a full 100% back. Bovada offers the safest possible online gambling option for Washington residents, as well as the satisfying knowledge that you are a valued customer. Don’t miss out on these great sign-up deals, if you’re even thinking about online gambling, join Bovada today!

Other Suggested Washington Betting Sites

Disclaimer - Getting More Help

While we are confident the information about Washington gambling laws on this page is accurate and that our research has been thorough and efficient, we are not lawyers and therefore the information on this page cannot be considered a legal consultation. For more information, please check with the Washington legislature at leg.wa.gov.

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 State Gambling Laws

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.

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.

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.

Us Online Gambling Laws

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

Is Gambling Illegal In Washington

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.