Washington Online Casino Real Money – Gambling Laws in the Evergreen 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.

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.

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 like Buffalo Gold 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.

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)

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, cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, 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.