Best Casinos in Washington 2025

Gambling Permitted At Casinos In Washington

The only type of gambling that is allowed in the state is horse racing. People who live in Washington are allowed to engage in horse racing through these sites; Twin Spires, TVG, and BetAmerica. Daily fantasy sports events are legal in the state.

It’s no surprise that websites don’t allow players from the state. As we have already mentioned the law doesn’t allow online gambling except for horse racing. It is a crime to run or engage in other gambling activities.

Washington Laws

The gambling law in Washington does not permit web-based gambling. Those who try to gamble on the internet are committing a felony. Players and businesses must adhere to this rule.

Overseas websites that don’t care about state laws tend to not touch Washington.  This makes it difficult to get a legitimate site that accepts players from Washington. Live horsing is permitted in the state and the tracks can run racebooks.

Web-based and mobile betting apps are allowed if a license is given. Bingo and raffles can be offered by charities. The organization has to register with local jurisdictions. The state lottery is the only operation that may offer games that have to do with luck outside of the bracket (reservation).

Gamblers have to be 18 years or older to engage in gambling activity. Casinos in Washington have the right to make the gambling age 21 should there be alcohol permitted. Card clubs contribute 20% to gaming income.  Tribal casinos have to form a gaming compact with the state that is selected by the governor.

Washington Gambling Background

Before the state became Washington horse racing had already begun. This was the first type of gambling that was permitted not only in the state but the whole territory. Horse racing was the only kind of gambling up until 1963 when voters made a constitutional change that established charity gaming.

This kind of gaming is regulated by the municipality. In 1981, Washington voters approved the state lottery. It was passed in 1982.

In 1992, Native American casinos in Washington were approved. The initial gaming compact was implemented the same year with the Tulalip tribe. The first legal slots and video poker machines were permitted because of this.

The state legislature banned all types of internet gambling. The state made it against the law to interact in these games. This was made to safeguard Washington tribal casinos and states card games.