Gambling Laws In Washington
There are many federal laws in our country which affect gambling. While some of these laws effectively outlaw the facilitation of any gambling or betting, the intents of these laws are to keep undesirables out of the business of gambling for profit. In fact, as staunch as they are, they actually do nothing to stop U.S. and Washington residents from gambling online. However, even with these laws there is much space left between the lines for states to form their own detailed gambling laws. Washington is one such state which has provided detailed and unique legislation for those that live in the area and wish to gamble. This guide to Washington gambling laws is dedicated to helping Washington residents understand the laws within their state as well as find out which sites are legal online gambling sites for Washington players.
The State of Washington has some of the most extensive language written in the entire country in regards to gambling. This does not make the Evergreen State a conservative, anti-gambling region, however. Gambling is legalized through state licensed means, hence the tight regulation and long list of rules for the state to maintain its own operation of the industry.
Gambling is quickly defined in the state gambling laws under RCW 9.46.0237 in the Washington Revised Code, and is considered unlawful however not criminalized. There is no penalty listed in the state's legislation which spells out a clear punishment for gambling. The language continues on however to mention "Professional Gambling" which is punishable as a class C felony. The definition of professional gambling can be found in the revised code under RCW 9.46.221(1). Just as is the case with federal law, profiting as a business with any form of gambling is a serious crime...do not do it!
A very distinctive aspect of Washington gambling laws is strict measures on internet gambling. The Evergreen State is one of the few to enact legislation on online gambling and it is in fact a felony to do so. Again, the laws are specifically targeting the purveyors of gambling rather than the gamblers themselves as the state's gambling commission website for information on online gambling, says specifically; "Enforcement is focused on larger, higher level Internet gambling activities, such as gambling sites and service providers." and continues on, "there is not an active campaign against players." This is important wording to follow and residents in Washington should take caution and use discretion if choosing to gamble online. Although there is a risk to online gambling in Washington, there are no recorded instances of investigation, enforcement or arrest of a casual gambler placing a wager online within the state. Lawmakers have recently held hearings on reducing the penalties of online gambling in the state to a fine of $50 which would make the offense similar to a traffic violation.
The good news is that Washington hosts a vast number of casinos and a slew of live poker rooms for residents to take advantage of if they wish. State licensed and tribal facilities are all available under the rule of law and measures have even been passed to where casinos will be able to host their own online gambling sites.
Land-Based Gambling In Washington
Although Washington has strict regulations of gambling, it is still legal within the state. The Evergreen State has over a hundred casinos along with pari-mutuel betting facilities and card rooms. Residents can play a number of classic casino games as if they are under the bright lights of Las Vegas or wager on a hand of Texas Hold'em or even Omaha. Sports betting is even legalized in Washington however with strict limitations keeping it only to party or office pools. Over 30 of the state's casinos are tribally run under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and most of the major forms of gambling are available to all those in the region. Land based gambling options are vast with some of the more popular destinations being Muckleshoot Casino just south of Seattle with over 3,000 slots, 75 table games and over 30 poker tables.
Online Gambling In Washington
As we mentioned above, online gambling in Washington can be difficult. The state does not allow online gambling and readers will not find online gambling sites based within the state since the strict gambling laws in Washington put in place back in 2006. Although there are some tribal casinos which are beginning to form their own online gambling sites in cooperation with the state, the only places to visit on the internet currently are web sites that are based outside of both Washington and Federal jurisdiction. It is technically unlawful under Washington gambling code to use the services offered at these sites but in the last decade, there has been no enforcement or punishment put on those who have chosen to do so.
There are a number of legal gambling sites for Washington players located outside of the country which have been providing discreet gambling opportunities for many all across the country, including even those in Washington State. They are indeed safe, reliable and secure for users to utilize and win actual money, with checks being mailed by courier directly to resident's addresses. Some will even offer services to Washington residents despite the state's current online gambling legislation. If players wish to visit such sites, the risk appears to be minimal provided that there is no explicit engagement in the business of facilitating bets or attempting to make transactions of vast sums of money. A casual bet placed on the Seahawks will go unnoticed as there is no monitoring or investigations being conducted by the Washington State Gambling Commission. Those wishing to gamble online within the state of Washington should use their own discretion when making the decision to place a bet.
Popular Gambling Options In Washington:
Online Sportsbooks - Online Casinos - Online Poker
Out of the many online gambling options that are present and available to residents of the Evergreen State, there are a few which stand above the rest in terms of privacy and security. Bovada is one such site which provides the utmost in both categories with safe and reliable transactions and consistent payouts. The site boasts the fastest growing user base in the online gambling community and upon navigating the features of the site, it is easy to see why.
This online gambling site features every major form of wagering all the way from craps and blackjack, to poker, to slots and even an amazing sportsbook which is second to none. Bovada also is backed up by a number of powerful American endorsements from the likes of CBS, USA Today, and CNBC, who tout the site's accurate odds and constantly updated lines. The company scores high points with us and those within the state of Washington for the quiet and discreet methods used to procure payouts as well as making deposits quickly and safely. This online gambling site is a business and a successful one at that, earning an A+ from our staff and the top recommendation for those living in Washington.
| Best Overall Betting Sites | Sports? | Casino? | Poker? | Horses? | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
| BetOnline | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
| SportsBetting | YES! | YES! | YES! | YES! | Play Now! |
The legal gambling age in the state of Washington is 18 years of age or older either at a land-based gambling facility or using an online gambling service. There are a land-based facilities which may have their own age restrictions raised to 21 due to sales of alcohol, so be sure to check ahead of time with the establishment you are planning to visit. Washington gambling sites which we recommend accept all adult residents from the state of Washington aged 18 or older.
Best For All Gaming Types
