While many states are opening up to online gambling or simply leaving it in a legal grey area, Washington State is one of the few places where it is explicitly prohibited.
Yet, there are several online casinos accepting Washington players. So, what does that mean for those in the Northwest state who want to gamble online?
It’s a complicated topic, but we are here to help. We did a deep dive into online gambling in Washington State and will give you the details on what’s legal and what isn’t.
You’ll also find the casinos where to play safely and what to avoid.
Summary of Washington State Gambling Laws
The welcomes land-based gambling at many tribal casinos across the state. Online gambling is still restricted, although some offshore sites still accept players from the state.
Let’s take a look at their stance on some of the basics you need to know.
| Gambling | Washington |
|---|---|
| Is Online Gambling Legal? | No |
| Playing at Online Casinos | No (Offshore Casinos are Available) |
| Legal Age Online | 18+ |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes |
| Legal Age Land-Based | 18+ |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes (Only Near Tribal Land) |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes |
| State Lottery | Yes |
| Social Gaming | Yes |
Is Gambling Legal in Washington?
Gambling in WA is legal under certain restrictions.
The table below outlines the current laws regarding land-based casinos, online gambling, sports betting, and more per the Washington State Gambling Commission.
| Gambling | Washington Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Online Gambling | WA has no state-regulated online casinos, and gambling on the Internet is prohibited. Although no individual has ever been prosecuted for playing at offshore online casinos, it’s considered a Class C felony. Still, authorities seem to put more attention on prosecuting illegal online casinos based on the state than chasing online players gambling at offshore casinos. |
| Casino Gambling | Gambling at tribal land-based casinos is legal for those 18 and above. There are currently 28 establishments around the state. |
| Poker | Poker is legal at casinos and licensed card rooms in Washington. At-home games are also permitted as long as no one profits from hosting. |
| Horse Racing Betting | Horse race betting is legal at the race tracks in the state and pari-mutuel satellite locations. |
| Dog Racing Betting | The state outlawed dog racing in 1996. |
| Lottery | WA has a variety of legal lottery games, including seven-number draws and scratch cards. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Washington is one of the few states where betting on daily fantasy sports is illegal. |
| Sports Betting | Sports betting is only permitted at tribal land-based casinos with amended Class 3 compacts. There are currently ten locations that offer sportsbooks. |
| Charitable Gaming | Specific non-profit organizations can legally use raffles as a way to raise money for charity without obtaining a license first. |
| Social Gaming | Private card and dice games are legal so long as they are not house-banked and there is no fee to play. |
Best Online Casinos for Washington State Players
The state has clarified that they do not want its residents to gamble on the Internet. No online casinos operate in the state, and betting at sites licensed elsewhere is a Class C felony.
However, the laws seem to target businesses and not so much individual players, as no one has ever been prosecuted for gambling online.
If you live in WA, you will find that some online casinos restrict your access, but there is still a great selection that does not.
Below is a list of the top gambling sites that accept Washington players and that are safe to play online.
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Where to Gamble in Washington State
Players can gamble at land-based sites, including casinos, racetracks, par-mutuel betting sites, and card rooms.
We will take a closer look at all the gambling options for those who live in this state.
Land-Based Casinos in Washington
WA State has 28 full-service, tribal land-based casinos, so you have plenty of options for betting in person.
| Casino | Address | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Lucky Eagle Casino | 12888 188th Ave SWRochester, WA 98579 | West WA/Olympia |
| 12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino | 515 Birch StreetCoulee Dam, WA 99116 | Northeast WA/Colville Reservation |
| 12 Tribes Lake Chelan Casino | 455 E. Wapato Lake RoadManson, WA 98831 | North WA/Colville Reservation |
| 12 Tribes Omak Casino Hotel | 28968 Highway 97Omak, WA 98841 | North WA/Colville Reservation |
| Ilani Casino Resort | 1 Cowlitz WayRidgefield, WA 98642 | Southwest WA |
| 7 Cedars Casino | 270756 Hwy 101Sequim, WA 98382 | Northwest WA/Seattle Area |
| Northern Quest Casino | 100 N. Hayford RoadAirway Heights, WA 99001 | East WA |
| Kalispel Casino | 420 Qlispe River Way Cusick, WA 99119 | Northeast WA |
| Silver Reef Casino | 4876 Haxton WayFerndale, WA 98428 | Northwest WA |
| Muckleshoot Casino | 2402 Auburn Way S.Auburn, WA 98002 | Western WA/Tacoma Area |
| Nisqually Red Wind Casino | 12819 Yelm Hwy SEOlympia, WA 98513 | Western WA/Olympia Area |
| Nooksack Northwood Casino (class III, tables only) | 9750 Northwood RoadLynden, WA 98264 | Northern WA/Lynden |
| The Point Casino | 7989 Salish Ln. NEKingston, WA 98346 | Northwest WA |
| Emerald Queen Casino at I-5 | 2024 E. 29th St.Tacoma, WA 98404 | Western WA/Tacoma |
| Emerald Queen Casino at Fife | 5700 Pacific Highway EFife, WA 98424 | Western WA/Tacoma |
| Quinault Beach Resort & Casino | 78 State Route 115Ocean Shores, WA 98569 | Western WA-Quinault Beach |
| Lucky Dog Casino | 19330 North Hwy 101Shelton, WA 98584-9781 | Northwest WA/Skokomish |
| Snoqualmie Casino | 37500 SE North Bend WaySnoqualmie, WA 98065 | Western WA/North Bend Area |
| Mistequa Casino Hotel | 2555 Smith RoadChewelah, WA 99109 | Northeast WA |
| Spokane Tribe Casino | 14300 W SR-2 HwyAirway Heights, WA 99001 | Eastern WA/Spokane Area |
| Little Creek Casino Resort | 91 West State Route 108Shelton, WA 98584 | Western WA/Olympia Area |
| Angel of the Winds Casino | 3438 Stoluckaguamish LaneArlington, WA 98223 | Northwest WA |
| Suquamish Clearwater Casino & Resort | 15347 Suquamish Way NESuquamish, WA 98392 | Northwest WA |
| Swinomish Casino & Lodge | 12885 Casino Drive Anacortes, WA 98221 | Northwest WA |
| Tulalip Resort & Casino | 10200 Quil Ceda BlvdTulalip, WA 98270 | Northwest WA |
| Quil Ceda Creek Casino | 6221 31st Avenue NETulalip, WA 98271 | Northwest WA |
| Skagit Valley Casino | 5984 N. Darrk LaneBow, WA 98232 | Northwest WA |
| Legends Casino | 580 E. Fort RoadToppenish, 98948 | Southern WA/Yakama Reservation |
Horse & Dog Tracks
The state has two horse racing tracks, the Emerald Downs and Sun Downs.
There are also 11 pari-mutuel locations where you can bet on simulated races. Dog racing was outlawed in the state in 1996.
Online Sports Betting
Tribal casinos are the only places allowed to offer online and retail sportsbooks, and only one currently has a mobile app: Snoqualmie Casino.
Even then, wagering online is restricted. You can only use the app to bet while you’re physically at the casino.
You cannot wager on sportsbooks online once you step outside the geolocation perimeters. Betting at sportsbooks outside of the state is at your discretion.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
Commercial bingo halls are legal in Washington State and almost every state town.
Charitable bingo, raffles, and amusement games for fundraising purposes are legal without a license as long as charities or nonprofit organizations hold them.
Groups like agricultural, civic, educational, and religious institutes are permitted, but individuals and businesses are not.
Social Gaming at Home
Social gaming at a personal residence is permitted so long as no one makes a house profit, collects any fees, or takes a percentage of wagers.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Poker is legal at land-based tribal casinos and cardrooms around the state. There are currently 98 licensed locations for playing the game.
Online poker is illegal as it falls under internet gambling, which WA state outlaws. However, there are plenty of poker sites that accept Washington players.
Eight-Liners
Eight-liners, slot machines, video pull tabs, video poker, and other electronic games of chance are illegal, even at land-based casinos.
Instead, the state allows tribes to offer a unique electronic terminal based on scratch tickets controlled by the state-wide tribal lottery system (TLS).
Casino Cruises
The Pullayup tribe used to own and operate a riverboat that once housed the Emerald Queen Casino. They retired the vessel in 2004 and built several land-based casinos in its place.
Now there aren’t any boats that offer short gambling excursions on the water.
However, there are cruise ships with casinos that port in Washington and travel to different destinations all over the world.
Real Money Online Casino Games for Washington State
The best online casinos have a lot of game variety, from slots to table games and live dealers.
Let’s take a look at what you may be able to find as a player in WA.
Online Slots
Slot games online have unique features, bonus rounds, high RTPs, and just about any theme imaginable.
They tend to be the most popular option at gambling sites, and you can even use casino bonuses to spin the reels.
While online slots are not technically legal, the state has yet to pursue anyone for playing them.
Land-based casinos in the state have slot machines that are solely based on a scratch-ticket lottery system.
The internet is your best bet if you’re looking for more traditional online slot games that use an RNG (random number generator).
Online Poker
Online poker is another form of gambling that violates WA state’s laws, but again, they are more concerned with the business than the individual.
While there are almost 100 licensed card rooms and locations where you can play land-based poker, you can also find sites that accept Washington residents and offer both poker and video poker games.
Many online casinos offer several forms of poker. Whether you’re looking for classic titles or live dealer games, you can usually find various options and even tournaments.
Online Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most popular games in the gambling world due to its low house edge.
Online, you can find a wide variety of online blackjack games, including traditional games and fun variations like Perfect Pairs or Suit ‘Em Up.
You can legally play in person at Washington’s card rooms and land-based casinos. Although it’s illegal to play online, there are many sites where those from WA can access blackjack.
Live Dealer Games
If you can’t make it to one of WA tribal casinos or card rooms, live dealer casino games might be your next best bet.
Some online casinos give players in Washington a chance to experience an authentic table game through live HD streaming.
You can play everything from roulette and baccarat to blackjack and poker at tables with different betting limits.
Plus, you can chat with your dealer and socialize with your fellow players.
Other Available Games at Online Casinos in Washington
There are tons of other available games at online casinos. Bingo, Keno, Roulette, and Craps are among the most popular. Take a look at what else you can find below.
Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for Washington Players
A major perk to gambling sites is the lucrative casino bonuses. Many of them match a percentage of your deposit, giving you extra funds in your account to play.
Below are two of our top recommended offers for new players.
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Washington State Online Gambling Laws
Gambling is legal in the state under certain restrictions. No online casinos are based in the state, and the laws explicitly state that gambling on the Internet is illegal.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Washington?
In 2006, WA passed a law that made online gambling a felony, turning it into one of the most hostile states towards the matter.
However, this statute appears to be aimed primarily at the businesses providing the source and not so much at the average citizen.
No one has ever been prosecuted for gambling online.
The Law Permits Regulated Gambling
Certain forms of gambling are legal at regulated facilities around the state. The law defines the act as involving “prize, chance, and consideration (wager or anything of value).”
Exceptions:
Types of illegal gambling activity include unregulated sports betting, animal fighting, online betting, possession of gambling devices, and unlicensed card rooms. (Chapter 9 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW)
Charitable/Non-Profit Organizations
Bingo games, raffles, amusement games, and fund-raising events are permitted by charitable and nonprofit organizations as well as the use of pull tabs and punchboards. (RCW 9.46.0311)
Gambling Devices
Possessing, manufacturing, selling, renting, or transporting a gambling device without a license is illegal.
Exceptions: Owners of antique slot machines may provide free play or coins at no cost. (RCW 9.46.235)
Gambling Information – Transmitting and Receiving
It’s illegal to knowingly transmit or receive gambling information by telephone, telegraph, radio, and the internet in WA.
Exception: The transmission of gambling information over the internet in the form of sports betting is legal at licensed tribal gaming facilities, granted the bettor is on the premises. (RCW 9.46.0368)
*Disclaimer: Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.
Washington Online Gambling vs. Neighbor States
So, how does WA stack up to its neighbors? Let’s take a look at the gambling laws of surrounding states.
| US State | Playing at Online Casinos | State Regulated Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington State | Not Legal | Yes | Legal | Yes (Only Near Tribal Land) | Legal | Not Legal | Legal |
| Oregon | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Idaho | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Not Legal | Legal |
| California | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Montana | Gray Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
WA has the strictest views about gambling online when compared to states nearby. While Washington explicitly prohibits betting on the internet, surrounding areas are more legally grey.
None of them have state-regulated online casinos, but they also don’t target players who gamble at casinos licensed elsewhere. Residents of these states will likely have an easier time finding sites that accept them.
Tips When Playing at Online Casinos in Washington Safely
It’s a good idea to be selective when playing at online casinos. Check out our tips for a safe, secure, and enjoyable gambling time.
Be Aware Of The Law
WA online gambling laws are crystal clear. Always educate yourself on local legislature before playing at an online casino.
Choose A Legit Site
Find a gambling site with an overall good reputation and positive reviews.
Look for a License
Reputable online casinos will have a license visible on their website.
Verify SSL Encryption
A secure site will use SSL encryption to keep your personal and financial information safe.
Look at the Banking Methods
Ensure the site has popular and safe deposit and withdrawal options like credit cards, crypto, and wire transfers.
The More Transparency, The Better
Look for sites that share plenty of information on their games, terms and conditions, FAQ and rules.
Pros & Cons of Gambling in Washington
The state may have strict laws regarding online gambling, but it’s pretty relaxed when it comes to other forms.
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of betting in this state.
Pros
- There is an impressive array of land-based casinos across the state.
- The state has nearly 100 licensed card rooms.
- Sports betting is legal in a few places.
- Bingo halls are legal and plentiful.
- Bet on horse races at the tracks and pari-mutuel sites.
Cons
- Online gambling is technically illegal.
- Online sports betting is only available at select land-based locations.
- There are no day-trip casino cruises.
Future of Online Gambling in Washington: Our Prediction
Washington State is firm on its stance when it comes to online gambling, with no plans on the horizon for change.
However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. It was just in 2020 that they decided to permit tribal casinos to offer sports betting.
There is a chance they may come around to the idea of opening up online wagering in the future, as we’ve seen happen in many other states. It also doesn’t hurt to voice your opinions to your local representatives.
For now, the most compliant option for gambling in Washington is to visit one of the many tribal land-based casinos and licensed card rooms.
For those players who still want to gamble online, offshore casinos will continue serving WA in the near future as local regulations will likely remain the same for the next 5 – 10 years.
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Answers to Our Readers’ FAQ
Here are the most popular questions about online gambling in WA.
There are no real money online casinos in the state, but you may be able to find no deposit bonuses at sites licensed outside of the state. These, however, tend to come with really high rollover requirements and are restricted to selected games.
WA does not collect a tax on gambling winnings, but you will be required to report it at a federal level on your tax return. For more information, contact a professional on the subject to look at your specific case.
Disclaimer
As part of our commitment to transparency, it’s important to disclose that this website engages in affiliate marketing. This means that when you click on our links to online casinos and make a purchase or sign up, we may earn a commission.
These commissions contribute to the upkeep of our platform and the creation of valuable content. While we aim to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s crucial to note that our reviews are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Additionally, we advocate for responsible gambling practices and encourage users to gamble responsibly. If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please seek assistance from relevant support services.