The situation for poker is almost identical to that of casinos in Washington. For even more detailed information, check our guide for casinos in Washington. There appears to be no hint that things will change on this front betting at online casinos, whether based in Washington or out of state, is a felony offense. 2006 saw a bill passed that strictly and explicitly banned all forms of internet gambling. Washington Online Casinosĭespite the fact that there have been tribal casinos in Washington since the 1990s, the state remains firm on its opposition to online gambling. On the other side, there are states that are much more liberal and you can enjoy even Alaska daily fantasy sports. However, no bills have passed into law, and as such, Washington daily fantasy betting is still illegal.

In 2016, the State Senate debated about the merits of allowing paid fantasy sports as a skilled-based, regulated form of gaming. In 2011, the Gambling Commission pressed charges against a NASCAR daily fantasy site, arguing that this constituted sports betting, and so was illegal in the state. There you will find regular updates about the legal situation as well. We have an entire page about Washington sports betting which you can check. However, at the moment, the only permitted bets on sporting events are pari-mutuel horseracing wagers and fishing derbies. This could change in the future, as a bill was introduced in early 2019 that may open up sports gambling for Washingtonians. Read through the next few sections to get a clearer picture of the legal situation for each type of gaming.Ĭurrently, almost all sports betting is illegal in the state of Washington. With this in mind, it is really best to make sure that you fully understand all of the Washington gambling laws before you plan a gambling session, whether online or at a land-based establishment.

Gambling online is strictly prohibited in the state of Washington, which is the only state to categorize such offences as felonies. It also does not apply to lotteries, and the state has enjoyed an official lottery since the early 1980s. However, it expressly does not include fishing derbies, pari-mutuel betting or handicapping contests. This broad definition covers a lot of different forms of gaming, so it easy to restrict various forms of gaming. The State legislature defines gambling as “staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the person’s control or influence”. Currently, there are only a few ways that you can legally place bets in WA. Washington State generally has strict views and restrictions on gambling.

Gambling age washington state