Online gambling laws in Washington State create a unique situation for residents looking to place bets digitally. While state laws prohibit online casinos based within Washington, residents still have some options for legal gambling activities.
As of May 2025, online casinos operating within Washington State remain illegal, but tribal casinos offer legal in-person gambling for those aged 18 and over. The state maintains strict regulations about online gambling compared to many other states in the US, with some forms potentially carrying serious penalties.
For Washington residents interested in gambling, it’s important to understand which activities are permitted and which aren’t. There are still legal alternatives and specific circumstances where certain types of betting are allowed under state law.
Overview of Online Gambling Laws in Washington State
Washington has some of the strictest online gambling laws in the United States. The state explicitly prohibits most forms of internet betting, with very limited exceptions for certain activities.
Historical Context and Legal Framework
Washington’s stance on gambling dates back to the early statehood when most forms were prohibited. Over time, limited exceptions were created for activities like charitable gaming, tribal casinos, and the state lottery.
In 2006, Washington passed legislation that made internet gambling a Class C felony. This was one of the most severe anti-online gambling laws in the country.
The state has maintained this strict approach despite the nationwide trend toward gambling liberalization. Washington’s legal framework is built around the principle that gambling is prohibited unless specifically authorized by state law.
Tribal gaming represents a significant exception, operating under gaming compacts between the state and federally recognized tribes.
Key State and Federal Laws Impacting Online Gambling
Washington State Laws:
- RCW 9.46.240: Makes it explicitly illegal to transmit or receive gambling information via the internet
- House Bill 2416 (2006): Classified online gambling as a Class C felony
- Washington Gambling Commission: Regulatory body that enforces state gambling laws
Federal Laws:
- Wire Act of 1961: Prohibits certain types of interstate gambling
- UIGEA (2006): Restricts payment processing for illegal gambling sites
- PASPA (overturned in 2018): Previously limited sports betting
These laws create a complex framework where most online gambling activities remain illegal in Washington State. The only legal online betting option is pari-mutuel wagering on horse races through authorized platforms like TwinSpires.
Definition of Legal vs. Illegal Gambling
In Washington, legal gambling is narrowly defined as activities specifically authorized by state law. This includes:
- Tribal casinos (operating under state-tribal compacts)
- Card rooms (with restrictions)
- State lottery
- Horse race betting (including online pari-mutuel wagering)
- Charitable gaming (bingo, raffles for non-profits)
Illegal gambling encompasses all other forms, with online gambling specifically criminalized. Washington explicitly makes online gambling a felony offense.
If an activity isn’t specifically authorized, it’s prohibited. This includes online casinos, poker sites, and most sports betting platforms.
Residents should be aware that using offshore gambling sites is technically illegal under state law, despite these sites often accepting Washington players.
Types of Online Gambling Permitted and Prohibited
Washington State has some of the strictest online gambling laws in the country. Most forms of internet gambling are prohibited, with only a few limited exceptions available to residents.
Online Sports Betting and Daily Fantasy Sports
Online sports betting is largely prohibited in Washington State. In-person sports betting is allowed at tribal casinos following the 2020 agreements between the state and tribal nations, but online sports wagering remains illegal for most residents.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel do not operate in Washington due to state laws classifying them as illegal gambling activities. Washington specifically considers any game where something of value is risked for a prize determined by chance, even partially, to be gambling.
The only exception to online sports betting prohibition is horse racing. Washington residents can legally bet on horse races through authorized advance deposit wagering platforms.
Online Casinos, Card Rooms, and Poker
All forms of online casinos are illegal in Washington State. This includes virtual slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, and online poker rooms.
Online poker is explicitly prohibited. The state has even pursued legal action against online poker operators in the past.
Playing on offshore poker sites is technically a Class C felony under Washington law, though individual players are rarely prosecuted. Card rooms, which are legal in physical form throughout Washington, have no legal online equivalent.
The state’s 2006 law specifically criminalized transmitting gambling information via the internet, effectively blocking any potential for legal online card room operations.
Online Bingo and Lottery Games
Online bingo games are not permitted in Washington State. Traditional bingo halls operate legally for charitable and non-profit organizations, but these activities cannot be conducted online.
The Washington State Lottery does not offer online ticket sales or games. Residents cannot legally access offshore bingo sites or online lottery platforms.
Mobile Betting and Gaming Apps
Mobile betting apps related to sports wagering are not legally available to Washington residents except for horse racing applications. These specialized horse betting apps are the only legal mobile betting options in the state.
Gaming apps that involve real-money gambling are prohibited. This includes casino-style mobile apps, poker apps, and slots games that use actual currency or its equivalent.
Social casino apps that use virtual currency with no cash value may be legal as they don’t meet the technical definition of gambling under state law. Any app that allows purchasing additional chips or converting winnings to real money would likely violate state prohibitions.
Washington Tribal Gaming Compacts and Retail Gambling
Washington State’s gambling landscape is dominated by tribal casinos operating under specific agreements with the state. These compacts allow for various forms of gambling while maintaining tribal sovereignty and providing economic benefits to tribal communities.
Role of Tribal Casinos and the Seminole Tribe
All 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington have gaming compacts with the state. These legal agreements determine what types of gambling are permitted on tribal lands and establish regulatory frameworks.
While the Seminole Tribe is not based in Washington, their legal victories in Florida have influenced tribal gaming nationwide. Their landmark cases helped establish precedents for tribal sovereignty in gaming operations.
Washington’s tribal casinos offer Class III gaming, which includes slot machines, table games, and more recently, sports betting. These facilities serve as major economic engines for tribal communities.
The compacts ensure that tribal gaming operations maintain integrity while providing revenue for essential tribal government services and programs.
Retail Sportsbooks and In-Person Betting
Since 2021, retail sports betting has been legal in Washington State, but only at tribal casinos. This followed compact amendments negotiated between tribes and the state government.
Currently, several tribal casinos operate retail sportsbooks where bettors can place wagers in person. These facilities typically feature:
- Betting windows with staff to take wagers
- Electronic kiosks for self-service betting
- Lounges with multiple TV screens showing live sports
- Food and beverage service
Mobile sports betting is allowed but only when physically present on tribal land. This differs significantly from states with full mobile betting access.
A federal court recently upheld these compact amendments, rejecting challenges and reaffirming tribal sovereignty in offering sports betting services.
Differences Between Commercial and Tribal Casinos
Washington State does not permit commercial casinos like those found in Nevada or New Jersey. All casino-style gaming is limited to tribal establishments operating under gaming compacts.
Key differences include:
Regulation: Tribal casinos are regulated jointly by tribal gaming agencies and the Washington State Gambling Commission, while commercial operations would be under direct state control.
Revenue allocation: Tribal casino profits fund tribal government operations and community programs, unlike commercial casinos where profits go to private investors.
Game offerings: Tribal facilities can offer a wider range of games than the limited card rooms and racinos that constitute Washington’s non-tribal gambling options.
Washington does have “card rooms” that offer poker and other card games, but these cannot provide slot machines or house-banked table games like blackjack that are exclusive to tribal casinos.
Comparing Washington’s Online Gambling Laws to Other States
Washington maintains some of the strictest online gambling laws in the United States, classifying online gambling as a Class C felony. This stance differs significantly from many other states that have embraced various forms of online wagering in recent years.
States With Legalized Sports Betting
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan lead the way in sports betting legislation, offering comprehensive online and retail options. These states generate significant tax revenue from regulated sportsbooks, unlike Washington where online sports betting remains prohibited except on tribal lands.
New York launched mobile sports betting in 2022 and quickly became one of the highest-volume betting markets in the country. Meanwhile, states like Oregon offer limited sports betting through lottery-run platforms.
Neighboring states have taken different approaches. Oregon allows mobile sports betting through its lottery, while Idaho maintains strict prohibition similar to Washington.
States with Full Mobile Sports Betting:
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Colorado
- Tennessee
- Illinois
- Virginia
States With Legal Online Casinos
Only seven states currently permit legal online casino gaming: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut, West Virginia, Delaware, and Nevada (poker only). These states have established regulatory frameworks that include licensing requirements, consumer protections, and tax structures.
New Jersey’s online casino market is particularly robust, generating over $1 billion in annual revenue. Michigan implemented a comprehensive online gambling package in 2021 that includes casino games, poker, and sports betting.
Washington remains firmly opposed to online casinos, maintaining more restrictive policies than most states. Even Nevada, known for its gambling-friendly laws, limits online options to poker only.
Key Online Casino States:
- New Jersey (launched 2013)
- Pennsylvania (launched 2019)
- Michigan (launched 2021)
Regulatory Differences in Neighboring States
Oregon takes a middle-ground approach, allowing sports betting through the state lottery’s Scoreboard app but prohibiting online casinos. Idaho maintains strict gambling prohibitions similar to Washington, with no legal online options.
California, despite numerous ballot initiatives, has not legalized online gambling, though it does permit tribal casinos and card rooms. Montana allows limited sports betting through lottery terminals but prohibits mobile access except within licensed locations.
The regulatory landscape creates a patchwork of laws across the Pacific Northwest. Washington’s stance as a felony-level offense for online gambling participation stands out as particularly severe compared to neighboring states.
States like Colorado have implemented consumer protection measures including self-exclusion programs and responsible gambling tools that could serve as models if Washington ever reconsiders its position.
Major Operators and the Current Sports Betting Market
Washington’s sports betting landscape is limited to tribal casinos, with no statewide mobile betting available. The market operates under strict regulations that require all wagering activity to take place on tribal lands.
Popular Sportsbooks and Apps in Washington
DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM have established partnerships with Washington tribal casinos. These major operators offer their betting platforms exclusively within casino properties.
For example, Snoqualmie Casino partnered with BetMGM to provide sports betting services. DraftKings operates at the Tulalip Resort Casino, while FanDuel has established a presence at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino.
Sports betting apps in Washington function differently than in other states. Bettors can use these apps, but only when physically present on tribal casino property.
This geo-fencing technology ensures compliance with state laws. There are more than 15 tribal casinos offering legal sports wagering across the state.
Impact on Sports Fans and College Sports
Washington sports fans have shown enthusiasm for legal betting options despite the limitations. Local professional teams like the Seahawks, Mariners, and Kraken generate significant betting interest.
College sports betting is permitted in Washington, with restrictions. Fans can place wagers on Washington State, University of Washington, and other college teams.
This differs from some states that prohibit betting on in-state college programs. The limited availability of legal sportsbooks has affected market growth.
Sports fans often must travel to tribal casinos to place bets, which can be inconvenient for those living far from these locations. The Washington sports betting market remains smaller than neighboring states with more accessible options.
Tribal casino operators report steady growth in sports wagering revenue since legalization.
Responsible Gambling and Future Legal Developments
Washington State’s strict stance on online gambling comes with both regulations for responsible gaming and potential for legal change. The state balances its prohibition with efforts to address problem gambling while keeping an eye on possible reforms.
Responsible Gaming Regulations and Initiatives
Washington State has implemented several programs to address problem gambling despite its hard stance against online gambling. The state allocates funds for treatment, prevention, and education about gambling addiction.
These resources include counseling services, helplines, and support groups for those affected. The Washington State Gambling Commission oversees responsible gambling initiatives.
They require physical casinos to display information about problem gambling and provide self-exclusion options. Public health departments also offer assessment and treatment services for gambling disorders.
Many tribes with casino operations contribute to these efforts through their gaming compacts with the state. Problem gambling studies, like the 2019 Treatment, Prevention, and Responsible Gambling Programs report, help guide policy decisions and resource allocation in the state.
Potential Changes to Washington’s Online Gambling Laws
Washington’s online gambling laws might evolve as neighboring states embrace regulated online gaming. Several factors could influence future changes:
- Tax revenue potential – The success of legal online gambling in other states may prompt reconsideration.
- Federal developments – Changes in federal gaming law could impact state policies.
- Tribal interests – Washington’s powerful tribal gaming operators may influence future legislation.
Some legislators have introduced bills to legalize certain forms of online gambling. None have gained significant traction yet.
Any changes would likely start with sports betting rather than full casino gambling.
Public opinion continues to shift on gambling issues. This may create pressure for reform.
The felony classification for online gambling remains a significant hurdle to overcome.
