Is online gambling legal in Washington?

Washington has no state income tax on winnings, but 24% federal withholding applies to wins of $5,000 or more. The Washington State Problem Gambling Helpline is 1-800-547-6133, by call or text.

Online gambling is not regulated here (sports betting grey/partial; online casino and online poker are illegal). Offshore sites are reachable, but if something goes wrong you may have no one to complain to.

Online sports betting is only partly legal in Washington (partial). Online casino is banned in Washington. Online poker is banned in Washington. The lottery is legal on sites licensed in Washington.

The minimum age on record for gambling in Washington is 18+.

Washington has no state income tax, so gambling winnings are not taxed at the state level. Winnings are subject to a federal tax, with a 24% withholding rate on wins of $5,000 or more.

Always verify a casino holds a valid Washington State Gambling Commission licence before depositing.

Washington State Gambling Commission's website

Prominent operators in Washington

If a site isn't on the regulator's licensee register, ask the regulator before you play: an unlisted site is usually not licensed here (a register can lag behind a new licence). An unlicensed site is outside the regulator's supervision, so you cannot complain to the regulator about it.

1. 1

   1. Direct Complaint to Operator

   The first step for any dispute over a wager or payout is to contact the management of the tribal casino or card room where the transaction occurred.

2. 2

   2. Complaint to the Tribal Gaming Agency (TGA)

   If the dispute cannot be resolved with the casino directly, the player must file a formal complaint with the specific tribe's gaming agency that regulates that facility. Each tribe has its own regulatory body and process.

3. 3

   3. Complaint to the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC)

   For unresolved disputes at tribal casinos or any dispute at a state-licensed card room, a complaint or tip can be filed with the WSGC. The commission co-regulates tribal gaming and directly regulates commercial card rooms.

   Report a Violation
4. 4

   4. Appeal to Superior Court

   A final order from the WSGC can be appealed to a Superior Court Judge.

• ✓
  Confirm You Are on Tribal Land

  Legal casino gambling and sports betting in Washington only happens at casinos owned by the 29 federally recognized tribes. If a facility is not on tribal land, it is not a legal casino or sportsbook.

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  Look for WSGC and Tribal Gaming Agency Seals

  Licensed tribal facilities will display their credentials from both their own Tribal Gaming Agency and the WSGC. These logos are a sign of a regulated and legal operation.

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  Use On-Premise Mobile Apps Only

  If using a mobile sports betting app, ensure it is the official app of the tribal casino you are physically visiting. The app should only function within the property's geofenced perimeter. Any app that works from your home is an illegal, offshore operator.

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  Avoid 'Sweepstakes' or 'Social Casino' Sites

  Be wary of online sites that claim to be legal in Washington by using a 'sweepstakes' model. Washington law defines gambling broadly, and these sites operate in a legally grey area at best and may be considered illegal operations by the WSGC.

• Myth

  It's legal for me to bet on offshore casino sites because they aren't based in Washington.
  Reality

  False. Under RCW 9.46.240, it is a Class C felony for a person within Washington to knowingly place a wager online, regardless of where the website's servers are located. While enforcement focuses on operators, players are committing a felony.

• Myth

  I can use a mobile sports betting app like FanDuel or BetMGM from my house in Seattle.
  Reality

  False. While these brands operate in Washington, they do so as partners with tribal casinos. Their mobile apps only function if you are physically located on the premises of the specific partner casino, verified by geofencing technology.

• Myth

  My gambling winnings aren't taxed at all in Washington.
  Reality

  Partially true. Washington has no state income tax on winnings. However, all winnings are subject to federal income tax, and operators are required by federal law to report significant wins to the IRS and may withhold 24% on wins over $5,000.

What the rules mean for bonus offers you see in Washington. The rules operators must follow are on the operator page.