Important Legal Notice — Washington State: Washington State classifies online gambling as a Class C felony under RCW 9.46.240 (amended 2006). This includes online casino games and online poker. Class C felonies carry a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine. This is materially different from most US states, where individual online play is simply unregulated. Read this guide carefully before making any decisions about online gambling in Washington.
Quick Legal Status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| Online Casino Games (iGaming) | Not legal — Class C felony (RCW 9.46.240) |
| Online Sports Betting | Not legal — tribal retail only (SB 5212, 2020) |
| Online Poker | Not legal — Class C felony (same statute) |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Not legal — explicitly prohibited in Washington |
| State Lottery | Yes — Washington’s Lottery; walottery.com |
| Tribal Casinos | Legal — 29+ tribal casino properties |
| Commercial Cardrooms | Legal — regulated by WSGC |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 casinos / sports betting · 18 lottery / cardrooms |
| Regulatory Body | Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC); wsgc.wa.gov |
| Last Legal Update | 2020 — SB 5212 authorized tribal retail sports betting |
Legal Overview
Washington State has some of the most restrictive online gambling laws in the United States. In 2006, the state legislature amended RCW 9.46.240 to classify online gambling — including online casino games and online poker — as a Class C felony. This is not a misdemeanor. This is not an unregulated gray area. This is a felony-level offense under Washington State law.
The practical enforcement picture is more nuanced: no Washington resident has been publicly prosecuted simply for visiting an offshore casino site. The law has historically targeted operators more than individual players. But the felony classification is real, and any discussion of online gambling in Washington must be clear about that fact.
Washington does have a substantial legal gambling ecosystem — just not online. The Evergreen State has one of the largest tribal casino industries in the country, with 29+ tribal properties regulated under IGRA compacts. Licensed commercial cardrooms operate across the state. The Washington’s Lottery offers draw games and scratch tickets. And since 2020, retail sports betting is available at tribal casino sportsbooks.
What’s Legal in Washington
- Washington’s Lottery — scratch tickets and draw games sold at retail
- Tribal casinos — 29+ full-service tribal casino properties
- Commercial cardrooms — house-banked card rooms regulated by WSGC
- Retail sports betting — at tribal casino sportsbooks (SB 5212, 2020)
- Horse racing — pari-mutuel wagering; online racebooks (TwinSpires, TVG) are a narrow exception
What’s Not Legal in Washington
- Online casinos (Class C felony under RCW 9.46.240)
- Online poker (Class C felony under same statute)
- Mobile/online sports betting (no framework exists)
- Daily Fantasy Sports (explicitly prohibited; major DFS operators block WA players)
- Sweepstakes casinos (legally problematic)
Key Legislation
| Law | Year | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Gambling Act (RCW 9.46) | 1973 | Established WSGC; baseline gambling framework |
| RCW 9.46.240 — Online gambling felony | 2006 | Made online gambling a Class C felony |
| SB 5212 — Tribal sports betting | 2020 | Authorized tribal-only retail sports betting |
| Online sports betting bills | 2021–2024 | Multiple attempts to enable mobile sports betting failed |
The Class C Felony — What It Means for Players
Washington’s 2006 amendment to RCW 9.46.240 makes it illegal to “transmit or receive gambling information” by any means, including the internet. A Class C felony carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.
No documented prosecutions of individual Washington residents for using offshore casino sites are publicly known. The law has primarily been cited in cases involving operators. However, playing at an offshore online casino as a Washington resident puts you in a legally different position than in states like Oregon or Montana, where the player’s legal status is simply unregulated. In Washington, the activity is explicitly criminalized at the felony level.
Offshore Casinos — Washington Players Technically Accepted, But Legal Risk Exists
Despite the felony classification, the five offshore operators reviewed by MobileCasinoParty technically accept Washington players at the account level. However, MobileCasinoParty presents this with an explicit caution that playing at offshore sites in Washington State carries a legal risk that does not exist in most other states.
MobileCasinoParty earns commissions from casino referrals through affiliate partnerships. This does not affect our ratings or reviews. Read our full Terms of Use for details.
Disclaimer: Online gambling is classified as a Class C felony under Washington State law (RCW 9.46.240). The following operators technically accept Washington accounts, but using them may violate state law. MobileCasinoParty provides this information for transparency and educational purposes. We recommend consulting a legal professional before using any offshore gambling site as a Washington resident.
| Casino | Washington Players Accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bovada | Technically yes | Not blocked; WA felony law applies |
| Wild Casino | Technically yes | Not blocked; WA felony law applies |
| Ignition Casino | Technically yes | Not blocked; WA felony law applies |
| Cafe Casino | Technically yes | Not blocked; WA felony law applies |
| Slots.LV | Technically yes | Not blocked; WA felony law applies |
Sports Betting in Washington
Washington legalized retail sports betting at tribal casinos in March 2020 via SB 5212. The law explicitly limits sportsbooks to tribal properties. Online/mobile sports betting is not legal.
- In-person only at tribal casino sportsbooks
- Major tribal sportsbooks: Muckleshoot, Tulalip, Snoqualmie, Emerald Queen, Puyallup
- Minimum age: 21
- Online horse racing is a narrow legal exception — online racebooks (TwinSpires, TVG, FanDuel Racing) are permitted under a pari-mutuel exemption
Daily Fantasy Sports in Washington
DFS is explicitly prohibited in Washington. Major operators including FanDuel and DraftKings block Washington players. Washington is one of fewer than five US states where DFS is not available.
Tribal Casinos in Washington
Washington has 29 federally recognized tribes, most of which operate gaming facilities. Washington is one of the largest tribal gaming markets in the US.
| Casino | Tribe | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muckleshoot Casino Resort | Muckleshoot Indian Tribe | Auburn | Large resort; 4,000+ slots, table games, hotel |
| Tulalip Resort Casino | Tulalip Tribes | Marysville | Full resort; slots, tables, poker, hotel, spa |
| Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel | Snoqualmie Tribe | Snoqualmie | Full resort; 1,700+ slots, table games, hotel |
| Emerald Queen Casino | Puyallup Tribe | Tacoma | Two locations; full casino operations |
| 7 Cedars Casino | Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe | Sequim | Slots, table games, hotel |
| Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort | Suquamish Tribe | Suquamish | Slots, tables, hotel, spa |
| Lucky Eagle Casino | Chehalis Tribe | Rochester | Full casino; hotel |
| Quinault Beach Resort and Casino | Quinault Indian Nation | Ocean Shores | Coastal resort casino |
Commercial Cardrooms
Washington’s licensed cardrooms are a legal gambling option regulated by WSGC. As of 2023, Maverick Gaming operates 23+ cardrooms statewide. Bet limits were increased by WSGC in July 2023. Age requirement: 18.
Responsible Gambling Resources
| Resource | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-547-6133 | Washington’s state-specific helpline |
| Problem Gambling Help Network of WA | problemgambling.com | Washington state program |
| National Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) | NCPG national helpline; 24/7 |
| WSGC Voluntary Self-Exclusion | wsgc.wa.gov | Self-exclusion for commercial cardrooms |
Washington’s self-exclusion covers commercial cardrooms (administered by WSGC). Tribal casinos each maintain their own separate programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in Washington State?
No. Online gambling — including online casino games and online poker — is classified as a Class C felony under Washington State law (RCW 9.46.240, amended 2006). Class C felonies carry up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.
Can I play at offshore casinos from Washington State?
Technically, offshore operators do not block Washington players at the account level. However, using an offshore online casino may violate the Class C felony statute. No Washington residents are known to have been prosecuted for individual online play, but the legal risk is materially higher in Washington than in unregulated gray-area states. Consult a legal professional if you have concerns.
Is sports betting legal in Washington?
Yes — but only in-person at licensed tribal casino sportsbooks. SB 5212 (2020) authorized tribal-only retail sports betting. Mobile/online sports betting is not legal.
Is DraftKings or FanDuel available in Washington?
No. Both DraftKings and FanDuel block Washington residents from their sportsbook and DFS products. Washington prohibits Daily Fantasy Sports and has no licensed online sportsbooks.
How many tribal casinos does Washington have?
Washington has 29 federally recognized tribes, with most operating gaming facilities. There are 29+ tribal casino properties across the state, making Washington one of the largest tribal gaming markets in the US.
What legal gambling options exist in Washington?
Legal options include: tribal casino properties (in-person), commercial cardrooms regulated by WSGC, Washington’s Lottery scratch tickets and draw games, retail tribal sports betting, and horse racing via licensed online racebooks (TwinSpires, TVG).
Where can I get help for a gambling problem in Washington?
Call the Washington Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-547-6133 or visit problemgambling.com. The national helpline is also available at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). Treatment is free and confidential.
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- Slots.LV Review
Last reviewed: May 2026
