Washington Gambling Age
- 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.
- If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. CALL OR TEXT 1-800-547-6133 PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE. Washington's Lottery continues to be an advocate for responsible gaming by providing support for initiatives to address problem gambling. Lottery support continues today through legislation.
- In all the states mentioned above, the legal gambling age at land-based casinos is 18 years. They also allow bingo, lotto, pari-mutuel betting and even poker bets for the same gambling age. However, they differ on their approach to online gambling. Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
- (2) A person under the age of eighteen who violates subsection (1) of this section by engaging in, or attempting to engage in, prohibited gambling activities commits a class 2 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and is subject to a fine set out in chapter 7.80 RCW, up to four hours of community restitution, and any court imposed costs.
- It’s easy to gamble without garnering any legal attention in the state of Washington. There is, however, one key exception. Players absolutely must wait until they are over the legal gambling age of 18 before attempting to take part in any gambling activity.
WASHINGTON – As reported by the Olympian: 'Washington's legal gambling age could change from 18 to 21 if House Bill 2872 passes. 'Most people are surprised that the legal gambling age isn't 21, said bill sponsor Mary Helen Roberts, D-Edmonds.
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
Washington Dc Gambling Age
- Tulalip Resort Casino
- Little Creek Casino Resort
- Angel of the Winds Casino
- Muckleshoot Casino
- Emerald Queen Casino
- 67
- 52
- 28
Top Online Casinos for Players in Washington
- Huge Welcome Bonus Package
- Visa and MasterCard Payment Options Available for US Players
- Over 150 Real Money Online Slot Games
Compatible with:- windows
- apple
- android
- mobile
- Safe and Reputable Casino, Mobile Friendly
- Easy Credit Card Deposits for US Players
- Impressive Welcome Bonuses up to 260% match
Compatible with:- windows
- apple
- android
- mobile
- Quick USA Payouts, Credit Cards Accepted
- Great Selection of Slots & Table Games
- Legit & Reputable Mobile Friendly Casino
Compatible with:- windows
- apple
- android
- mobile
- Uses the Microgaming Software
- Fast Cashouts in Just 1-7 Days
- Online, Mobile, Instant & Live Play
Deposit Options include:- visa
- mastercard
- paypal
- neteller
100% up to €1,000- Big Jackpots and Massive Deposit Bonuses
- Over 400 Online Casino Games
- Play Live Dealer Games
Deposit Options include:- visa
- mastercard
- paypal
- bitcoin
100% up to €1,600- Large Australian Bitcoin-Friendly Casino
- Mobile, Flash, and Download Play Options
- Fastest Payouts
Deposit Options include:- visa
- mastercard
- paypal
- neteller
- Safe and Trustworthy Australian Casino
- Multiple Daily Deposit Deals
- 100s of Pokies, Slots, and Table Games
Compatible with:- windows
- apple
- android
- mobile
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?
No. Daily fantasy sports contests are illegal in the state.
Yes. There are live races and off-track betting. This includes over the Internet and on mobile apps.
It’s no use fighting it: gambling is as popular as it’s ever been throughout the United States, and far from being the exception that proves the rule, the state of Washington is a prime example of how gambling continues to grow in popularity. The problem that residents face is not a lack of interest, but rather a lack of knowledge concerning the gambling laws in Washington. While many land based and online options exist for residents of the Evergreen State to wager with, the legal landscape is often difficult to navigate.
This page is devoted to the gambling laws in Washington and will break down both the federal policies that impact gambling on US soil and the state laws that are specific to the state. It is our great hope that all residents that read this page will leave it with a deeper understanding of the Washington gambling laws, and hot they may work with them in the future.
While there are actually several facilities that offer sanctioned gambling in the state of Washington, they do boast some of the harshest language and hypothetical penalties for online gambling in the business. However, it’s important to know that aside from the language in the constitution, no Washington resident has ever been arrested for gambling online, only for facilitating online gambling by running a website. Legal offshore gambling sites that accept Washington residents still operate every day, and no one has ever been imprisoned or fined for using them.
RCW 9.46.010 - Here we have the purpose statement of the gambling laws in Washington. While there are policies that theoretically prevent residents from gambling online, the real target is larger crime syndicates. Targeting these factions serves the double purpose of attacking organized crime and protecting sanctioned casinos in Washington. Again, despite the harsh language of this law, no Washington resident who has been a mere player at legal gambling sites was ever arrested.
RCW 9.46.0237 - Here we have a comprehensive definition of gambling. Again, while gambling both online and in person is considered a crime in accordance with the state constitution, it’s important to note that no resident has ever been arrested for merely taking part in gambling.
Washington Casino Age Limit
RCW 9.46.0269 - This statute is one of the most serious pieces of gambling code in the state of Washington. “Professional” Gambling is often charged, and state authorities will seek out guilty parties to charge with this crime.
Gambling Age In Washington State Casinos
“Professional gambling in the second degree is a class C felony” - Yikes! Washington lawmakers are not kidding around about stamping out illicit gambling operations in their state. While gamblers are never brought up on charges, those who operate illicit gambling games are often punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Look Up All The Gambling Laws In Washington - Click Here
The first law that really had an effect on betting in the United States passed in 1961. The Federal Wire act made it impossible for bookmakers to transfer information related to sports betting across state lines. This was the first major blow dealt to organized crime in America and loosened the stranglehold that these criminal elements held over the country, especially in Chicago.
If the Wire Act made it hard to run a law abiding bookmaking business, the PASPA (short for the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) passed in 1992 made it impossible. Now, instead of the act of transmitting betting information across state lines being the only criminal charge associated with sports betting, this bill made it a crime to take a bet at all, even on land. Four states were exempt from the PASPA in Oregon, Montana, Delaware and Nevada, but unfortunately, in Washington, it passed unopposed.
The final federal law that gamblers in Washington need to deal with is the UIGEA or, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act if you’re nasty. When the Supreme Court ruled that the wire act did not apply to all forms of gambling and only sports betting, Congress tacked the UIGEA on to the safe port act and thus criminalized all online gambling operations in the United States.
It’s easy to gamble without garnering any legal attention in the state of Washington. There is, however, one key exception. Players absolutely must wait until they are over the legal gambling age of 18 before attempting to take part in any gambling activity. With such a comparatively low gambling age, gamblers can be sure that state law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for anyone in violation of this policy.
The language concerning gambling, especially legal online gambling in Washington, can sound scary, but it’s all bark. No otherwise honest resident of the Evergreen State has found themselves in trouble merely for gambling online, so don’t let the constitution bring you down. With all the land based options spread throughout the state, the temptation to check them out may be there, but players should not feel restrained to those few locations.
See More: Online Casinos - Online Sportsbooks - Poker Sites