Washington State Casino Laws
When checking identification, make sure that you accept only valid IDs that are acceptable by Washington State law. Please visit our Selling Responsibly page for the latest information on your important role in keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors and those who are apparently intoxicated. Please use this printable form to print and post at your business. This list reflects states that allow state-regulated casino gambling to be offered to 18-year-old players in some capacity. Each state utilizes different ways of implementing its regulations, so the rules, laws, and policies will vary regionally. State Laws concerning gambling can be found under RCW Chapter 9.46. State rules concerning gambling can be found under WAC Title 230.
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
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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
Gambling Venues in Washington
The History of Gaming Laws in Washington
More Gambling Laws in Washington
Gambling Casinos In Washington State
- 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
1933Washington legalized pari-mutuel wagering on horse races.
1973The Gambling Commission oversees charity gambling including bingo, pull tabs, raffles, and casio nights.
1992Washington Signs it’s first compact with a native tribe to open casinos.
1997Card rooms that offer non banked games are legalized outside of tribal lands.
2006Internet gambling is made a felony for both players and operators.
2010The 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.
2013A 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.
- Horseracing (1933), Bingo (1963), Lottery (1982), Indian Casinos (1992), Card Clubs (1997)
- $445 million
- $2.2 billion
- 18 for all gambling, although some casinos that serve alcohol require patrons to be 21
- Washington bans smoking in all gaming establishments. State law does not apply to reservation casinos.
- 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
- 67
- 52
- 28
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.
Casino | Size | Address | Website |
---|---|---|---|
7 Cedars Casino – Sequim | 580 Slot Machines | 270756 US-101 | www.7cedarsresort.com |
12 Tribes Resort & Casino – Omak | 500 Slot Machines | 28968 US-97 | www.colvillecasinos.com |
Angel of the Winds Casino – Arlington | 1,100 Slot Machines | 3438 Stoluckquamish Ln. | www.angelofthewinds.com |
Buzz Inn Casino – East Wenatchee | Only Table Games (10) | 280 Grant Rd. | www.buzzinncasino.com |
Casino Snoqualmie – Snoqualmie | 1,700 Slot Machines | 37500 SE North Bend Way | www.snocasino.com |
Chewelah Casino – Chewelah | 360 Slot Machines | 2555 Smith Rd. | www.chewelahcasino.com |
Clearwater Casino Resort – Suqamish | 1,200 Slot Machines | 15347 Suquamish Way NE | www.clearwatercasino.com |
Club Hollywood Casino – Shoreline | Only Table Games (15) | 16716 Aurora Ave N. | www.club-hollywood-casino.com |
Coulee Dam Casino – Coulee Dam | 164 Slot Machines | 515 Birch St. | www.colvillecasinos.com |
Coyote Bob’s Casino – Kennewick | Only Table Games (12) | 3014 W. Kennewick Ave. | www.coyotebobscasino.com |
Crazy Moose Casino – Mountlake Terrace | Only Table Games (15) | 22003 66th Ave. W. | www.mountlakecasino.com |
Crazy Moose Casino – Pasco | Only Table Games (18) | S. 20th Ave. | www.pascocasino.com |
Elwha River Casino – Port Angeles | 100 Slot Machines | 631 Stratton Rd. | www.elwharivercasino.com |
Emerald Queen Casino – Fife | 2,060 Slot Machines | 5700 Pacific Hwy E. | www.emeraldqueen.com |
Joker’s Casino – Richland | Only Table Games (9) | 624 Wellsian Way | www.atomicbowl.com |
Lancer Casino – Clarkston | Only Table Games (9) | 1250 Bridge St. | www.lancerlanesandcasino.com |
Legends Casino – Toppenish | 1,400 Slot Machines | 580 Fort Rd. | www.legendscasino.com |
Little Creek Casino – Shelton | 230 Slot Machines | 91 West State Route 108 | www.little-creek.com |
Lucky Dog Casino – Potlatch | 175 Slot Machines | 19330 US-101 | www.myluckydogcasino.com |
Lucky Eagle Casino – Rochester | 1,300 Slot Machines | 12888 188th Ave. SW | www.luckyeagle.com |
Mill Bay Casino – Manson | 600 Slot Machines | 455 Wapato Lake Rd. | www.colvillecasinos.com |
Mr. Z’s Casino – Pullman | Only Table Games (8) | 780 SE Bishop Blvd. | www.zeppoz.com |
Muckleshoot Casino – Auburn | 3,100 Slot Machines | 2402 Auburn Way S. | www.muckleshootcasino.com |
New Phoenix Casino – La Center | Only Table Games (29) | 225 W. 4th St. | www.thenewphoenixcasino.com |
Nisqually Red Wind Casino – Yelm | 1,475 Slot Machines | 12819 Yelm Hwy SE | www.redwindcasino.com |
Nob Hill Casino – Yakima | Only Table Games (7) | 3807 W. Nob Hill Blvd. | www.thenobhillcasino.com |
Nooksack Northwind Casino – Lynden | 380 Slot Machines | 9750 Northwood Rd. | www.northwoodcasino.com |
Northern Lights Casino – Anacortes | 830 Slot Machines | 12885 Casino Dr. | www.swinomishcasinoandlodge.com |
Northern Quest Casino – Airway Heights | 1,650 Slot Machines | 100 N. Hayford Rd. | www.northernquest.com |
Okanogan Casino – Okanagan | 330 Slot Machines | 41 Appleway | www.colvillecasinos.com |
Quinault Beach Casino – Ocean Shores | 500 Slot Machines | 78 WA-115 | www.quinaultbeachresort.com |
Red Dragon Casino – Mountlake Terrace | Only Table Games (10) | 21917 WA-99 | www.red-dragon-casino-mountlake.com |
Roxy’s Casino – Seattle | Only Table Games (12) | 2823 SW Roxbury St. | |
Royal Casino – Everett | Only Table Games (15) | 13010 WA-99 | www.royalcasinoeverett.com |
Shoalwater Bay Casino – Tokeland | 268 Slot Machines | 4112 WA-105 | www.shoalwaterbaycasino.com |
Silver Dollar Casino – Mill Creek | Only Table Games (14) | 17917 Bothell Everett Hwy | www.millcreekcasino.com |
Silver Dollar Casino – Renton | Only Table Games (15) | 3100 E. Valley Rd. | www.rentoncasino.com |
Silver Dollar Casino – SeaTac | Only Table Games (15) | 19222 International Blvd. | www.seataccasino.com |
Silver Reef Casino – Ferndale | 1,200 Slot Machines | 4876 Haxton Way | www.silverreefcasino.com |
Skagit Valley Casino – Bow | 900 Slot Machines | 5984 Darrk Ln. | www.theskagit.com |
The Point Casino – Kingston | 700 Slot Machines | 7989 NE Salish Ln. | www.the-point-casino.com |
Tulalip Resort Casino – Tulalip | 2,200 Slot Machines | 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd. | www.tulalipresortcasino.com |
Two Rivers Casino – Davenport | 150 Slot Machines | 6828 B WA-25 | www.two-rivers-casino.com |
Wild Goose Casino – Ellensburg | Only Table Games (7) | 1600 Currier St. | www.wildgoosecasino.com |
Wizards Casino – Burien | Only Table Games (16) | 15739 Ambaum Blvd. SW | www.facebook.com/WizardsCasino |
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.
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
Is Washington online gambling legal?
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.
What type of games are legal in Washington card clubs?
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.
What types of games are legal in Washington tribal casinos?
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.
Are daily fantasy sports sites legal in Washington?
Washington State Casinos Open
No. Daily fantasy sports contests are illegal in the state.
Washington State Casino Rules
Yes. There are live races and off-track betting. This includes over the Internet and on mobile apps.