Legal Online Gambling Washington State

1. Legal Online Gambling Washington State Income Tax
2. Legal Online Gambling Washington State Treasurer
3. When Will Online Gambling Be Legal In Washington State

Washington state lawmakers have finally passed sports betting legislation!

On March 25, 2020, governor Jay Inslee signed HB 2638 into law. This bill authorizes sports wagering in the state subject to a revision to the WA Class III tribal compacts currently in effect.

In Washington state, internet gambling is illegal, however, residents can access licensed offshore bingo sites to find online bingo games – at the player’s own risk. Accessing these sites is considered a criminal offense according to state gambling laws, and we do not condone breaking state laws. In April 2013, the first legal online gambling site in the United States went live in Nevada. It was an online poker room called Ultimate Poker. By November, online poker and online casinos went live in Delaware and New Jersey. In 2017, Pennsylvania became the fourth and largest state to pass legislation regulating online gambling.

Before you get too excited, of course, the fact that these compacts have to be modified before domestic sports betting is launched means that you'll likely still have to wait several months until you can actually place wagers at retail venues on Washington soil.

Notably, Washington is also one of two US states that have passed specific legislation to outlaw offshore betting sites, severely limiting Washington's gambling options. Fortunately, there are some online sportsbooks that will accept WA registrations and assume players are playing at their own risk.

Is Sports Betting Legal In Washington?

Yes, but it has not been rolled out yet and is subject to tribal compact re-negotiations. The bill, passed in March, specifically bars online sports betting in state, mandated that all wagers must be 'placed and accepted at a tribe's gaming facility only while the customer is physically present on the premises of that tribe's gaming facility.'

While it is unclear, mobile gaming could be allowed under these terms if the mobile sports betting app is geo-fenced to the tribal venue where the wagering takes place. Several states have such limited exceptions for mobile sportsbooks that are locked to their facilities.

As noted above, Washington also has a state law that is aimed at residents who wager online. The charge is a Class C Felony which is less severe than a class 1 or 2 but can still land you in some serious trouble.

However, even though the state laws forbid this action, we have found no indication that anyone has ever been arrested or charged with gambling online.

Washington Sports Betting Bills

Though HB 2638 has been passed to allow for Washington sports betting, there could be more bills on the subject in the future. Our bill tracker page is a great tool for keeping up with state politics related to sports wagering.

Best Online Sportsbooks That Service Washington Residents

Following are our recommendations for online sportsbooks that are legally operating outside of the United States and that accept US bettors. These sportsbooks have been in the industry for years and are highly regarded by both analysts and bettors alike.

You can browse through them for yourself by clicking on the links provided in the table. Again, WA residents should place bets online at their own risk based on the restrictions imposed by state gambling laws.

Washington Sports Betting Details

Washington is now on the road to offering sports betting to in-state residents at physical sportsbooks. However, due to specific state regulations, offshore wagering remains punishable by law (though this seems to be unenforced). We do not suggest that playing online is okay, but we have not heard of anyone ever being prosecuted, fined, or arrested for doing so. Offshore sportsbooks do offer their services to WA residents, but they suggest you abide by local gambling laws.

• Legal Sports Betting: Yes - Tribal only (pending)
• Minimum Sports Betting Age: 18 (pending)
• Land-Based: Tribal only (pending)
• Online: No.
• Mobile: Possible, only on sportsbook premises
• In-Play: N/A
• Estimated Revenue: N/A
• Eligible Operators: N/A
• Commission: N/A
• Licensing Fee: N/A
• Tax Rate: N/A
• Tax-Funded: N/A

What You Can Bet On in Washington:

• Washington law allows for sports betting at physical tribal venues pending a restructuring of Class III gaming compacts. State-wide online betting is not allowed. Offshore books, however, will accept WA residents who may gamble at their own risk.

What You Can't Bet On in Washington:

• No sports betting of any kind has launched yet.

Where Can I Bet On Sports in Washington?

There is nowhere to bet legally in Washington state yet, though the activity has been legalized. Offshore sportsbooks and other gambling sites offer their services to Washington residents as 'play at your own risk' sites.

Biggest Sports Betting Cities In Washington

Sports Betting In Seattle, WA

The Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Mariners are the two major professional sports franchises located in Seattle, and the Washington Huskies athletic program is also located in the city. You can bet on teams from Seattle and around the world in a variety of sports at our recommended offshore sportsbooks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Betting In Washington

Will I get arrested for betting on sports in Washington?

It is possible. Since state gambling laws forbid betting online or with non-tribal local bookies, there is a real possibility that you could get charged or go to jail if caught betting on sports in Washington State. Gambling is considered a class 3 felony and is punishable up to 20 years or $20,000.

Are mobile sports betting apps legal in Washington?

No. Due to specific state laws, there are no legal gambling apps in Washington State. Some apps or sportsbooks will accept WA registrations but technically if you sign up and bet, you are breaking the law. Washington's new sports betting law does not allow for state-wide mobile sportsbooks.

What teams can I bet on in Washington?

Offshore sportsbooks offer betting lines for all the Washington professional and college teams. You can also find other betting lines that are not typically offered at domestic sportsbooks including Political betting, and international sports.

Are there any local sportsbooks in Washington?

Not yet. Washington state has passed sports betting law where the activity will be limited to tribal operators on their physical grounds.

What is the legal minimum sports betting age in Washington?

Washington law says that the legal gambling age is 18 throughout the state.

Who regulates sports betting in Washington?

Sports betting is legal but not yet live. The Washington State Gambling Commission is in charge of regulating domestic casinos, and they will be heading up oversight of the forthcoming tribal betting operations.

Washington Legislative Resources

Washington Gambling Resources

If you or someone you know is seeking help to fight a gambling addiction the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling was established to help. At Evergreen there are professionals that can help you with addiction and restore order to your life.

Washington News

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• Year Washington Regulated Gambling: Horseracing (1933), Bingo (1963), Lottery (1982), Indian Casinos (1992), Card Clubs (1997)
• Estimated Tax Revenue from Gambling: $445 million
• Estimated Gambling Revenue: $2.2 billion
• Washington Gambling Age: 18 for all gambling, although some casinos that serve alcohol require patrons to be 21
• Smoking ban: Washington bans smoking in all gaming establishments. State law does not apply to reservation casinos.
• Washington Online gambling: Horse racing is the only form of legal online gambling. All others are expressly illegal.

Washington is one of the most liberal states in the country when it comes to gambling. This includes having many Washington casinos and card clubs spread throughout the state. The racing industry dates back to 1933. This includes live and off-track betting. Charitable gaming was legalized 40 years later. It is up to local jurisdictions to regulate. The Washington Lottery sells tickets for instant games and lotto drawings.

Card clubs in Washington state can offer live poker tables, as well as house-banked card games. This includes blackjack, baccarat, and proprietary games. Craps, roulette, slots and video poker are not permitted at card clubs. Tribal Washington casinos may spread these games.

Paying Gambling Taxes in the State of Washington

Did you know that your gambling income is taxable? OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos has gathered everything you need to know about paying taxes on your gambling winnings straight from a Certified Public Accountant. For more information please visit our exclusive Gambling Taxes article.

Washington Casinos Map & Guide

• Tulalip Resort Casino
• Little Creek Casino Resort
• Angel of the Winds Casino
• Muckleshoot Casino
• Emerald Queen Casino

• Number of B&M Casinos: 67
• Number of Poker Rooms: 52
• Number of Indian Casinos: 28

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Types of Washington Online Gambling Allowed

The only form of online gambling legal in Washington state is horse racing. TVG, TwinSpires, and BetAmerica are among the sites that accept this action from Washington residents.

Daily fantasy sports contests are illegal in Washington. No legitimate sites take players from the state. Washington state law forbids all forms of online gambling except horse racing. It is a felony to participate as either a player or operator.

Types of Live Washington Gambling

• Slots: Yes
• Blackjack: Yes
• Poker: Yes
• Craps/Roulette: Yes
• Horses: Yes
• Lottery: Yes

Washington gambling offers all types of betting action players can find. The state lottery sells scratch-off and lotto tickets. The most popular games are massive interstate jackpot drawings like Mega Millions and Powerball. Charities can spread bingo and raffle nights. There are racetracks that offer live and off-track betting.

Card clubs have live poker rooms and house-banked games like blackjack. These range from mini-casinos that have just a few tables to establishments that resemble full-service Washington casinos without the slots. It all depends on local law. Washington casinos on reservations can offer slots, video poker, live poker, craps, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and Pai Gow games.

Washington Gambling Laws

The most unusual Washington gambling law is its prohibition against online gambling. It is a felony to play any gambling game over the Internet. This applies to the participants and the operator. This is enough to keep daily fantasy sports sites out of the state. Even offshore sites that are probably violating every state law in every market they participate in avoid Washington. It is nearly impossible to find a legitimate poker, casino or sports betting site that accepts Washington residents because of this.

Live horse racing is legal in Washington. These tracks may operate race books. Online and mobile betting apps are also permitted if a license is issued.

Charities may offer bingo and raffles may be offered by nonprofit organizations. These must register with local jurisdictions, which have the ultimate right of regulation.

The state lottery is the only other group that is permitted to offer games of pure chance outside of reservations. The lottery may sell instant game and lotto tickets. The Washington Lottery may distribute these tickets through retailers but not over the Internet. 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. Tribal Washington casinos must enter a gaming compact with the state that is negotiated by the governor. All of the gambling and casinos in Washington is licensed and regulated through the Washington State Gambling Commission.

List of Washington State Casinos

There are more than 60 Washington casinos within the state. These range from small card clubs with 15 or fewer tables to sprawling resorts with slots and dozens of table games on reservations. Players can find casinos in Potlach, with plenty of options to choose from, or go to the casinos in Chewela. To make it easier to find a casino, you can always look at the Washington casinos map located above for directions and more.

In addition to these casinos and card clubs, there are other places to gamble. There are four racetracks that offer live horse racing. Emerald Downs is the only track that offers a major live racing schedule. Dayton, Sun Downs, Waitsburg, and Walla Walla offer state fair racing for a handful of days each year. There are also bingo halls and lottery retailers.

History of Washington Gambling

Horse racing first started in Washington before it ever became a state. It was the first form of legalized gambling, not just in Washington, but in the entire region. Racing stood as the only form of regulated gaming until 1963 when voters affirmed a constitutional amendment that created charity gaming. Municipalities are given the right to regulate this type of gaming. Most permit it while others do not.

The state lottery was approved by Washington voters in November 1981. The structure of it passed the state legislature in 1982.

Native American Washington casinos were first approved in 1992. The first gaming compact was executed that year with the Tulalip tribe. This allowed for the first legal slots and video poker machines in the state. Card clubs had a $40 bet limit for years. After lobbying for more than 10 years, the limit was raised to $100 in 2013 for poker games not banked for the house. The bet limit for house-banked card games was raised to $300 in 2008. The clubs hoped to get that raised to $500 but have not been successful. This limit does not apply to reservations.

Legal Online Gambling Washington State Income Tax

In 2006, the state legislature banned all forms of online gambling. The state made it a felony to play these games. It was done to protect the state’s card clubs and tribal casinos. In 2010, Margarita Prentice, sponsor of the bill at the time, told Gary Wise of ESPN,

“I just think some of these arguments are utter nonsense. You mean you’re going to move so you can play poker? Gee, lots of luck in your life.” Prentice continued, “I have nothing against card playing. That’s fine. If you want to do that, but I’m sure not going to worry about someone.” Then she hit online poker players in Washington with an offensive comment that was never forgotten. “Let them go pump gas,” Prentice said.

The online poker bill stands to this day. There was a court challenge in 2008. The Washington Supreme Court declared the bill constitutional. There were attempts to repeal the law and regulated online poker in 2015 and 2016. Both attempts failed.

Washington Gambling FAQ

No. State law makes any form of online gambling a felony to play or operate. This includes online poker, casino games, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports.

The minimum Washington gambling age is 18 years. Washington casinos and card clubs that sell alcohol have a minimum gambling age of 21 years.

Legal Online Gambling Washington State Treasurer

Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, blackjack, Three Card Poker, baccarat, Pai Gow Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em are among the legal games in Washington card clubs.

Slots, video poker, electronic table games, blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and other house-banked card games are among the action available to Washington Native American casino patrons.

No. Daily fantasy sports contests are illegal in the state.

When Will Online Gambling Be Legal In Washington State

Yes. There are live races and off-track betting. This includes over the Internet and on mobile apps.