Is sports betting legal in washington?
Yes, it is legal to bet on sports in Washington, but the registration and betting must take place on tribal lands which currently operate 17 casinos throughout the state. House Bill 2638 was signed into law in the spring of 2020, paving the way for sportsbook operators to eventually partner with tribal casinos more than a year after the bill was signed.
Washington Quick Facts
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Launch Date: September 9, 2021 -
ImageLegal Betting Age: 21 Years Old
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ImageOnline Sports Betting: Yes
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ImageOnline Casino Sites: No
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ImageOnline Poker Sites: No
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ImageRegulatory Body: Washington State Gambling Commission
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ImageLegal Online Sportsbooks: 8
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ImageCollege Sports Betting: Yes, but not events featuring in-state schools
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ImagePolitical or Entertainment Betting: No
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ImageHigh School Sports Betting: No
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ImageEsports Betting: Yes
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ImageNFL Draft: Yes
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ImageRemote Registration: No
Timeline of Betting Legislation & Latest News
Legal challenges by Maverick Gaming LLC and new bills in the house and senate are attempting to expand the availability of sports betting in Washington, so keep an eye on this page for updates.
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Jan. 16, 2020
HB 2638 introduced the Bill to allow sports betting at tribal casinos
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March. 7, 2020
HB 2638 passes in the house
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March. 25, 2020
Governor Jay Inslee signs HB 2638 into law
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Sept. 9, 2021
Retail sportsbooks begin accepting bets throughout Washington
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Jan. 11, 2021
Maverick Gaming LLC files lawsuit in U.S. District court attempting to invalidate exclusive agreements made between Washington state and its Indian tribes.
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Jan. 25, 2024
HB 1639 and SB 5587 introduced to expand retail and online sports betting to card rooms and racetracks.
How to start betting in washington
Washington sports bettors can’t register for online accounts from the comfort of their home like those in many other states. Instead, bettors must take cash to one of 17 casinos across the state to place sports wagers. If you’re at one of the eight specific locations that allow online betting, you can download the specific sports betting app that’s connected with that casino and register so that you can make wagers from your phone. However, keep in mind, your app won’t allow you to make wagers once you leave tribal land.
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Select a casino
Chances are your proximity to the 17 different casinos in Washington will be a big factor in deciding where to place your sports bets.
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see if casino allows online betting
Some casinos in Washington allow betting from your phone, while others do not. If your casino doesn’t allow online wagering, then you’ll want to have cash handy to make your bets the old fashioned way. If your casino does allow online betting, move on to step 3.
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register for sports betting app
Some Washington Casinos have partnered with specific sports betting apps. Find out which app your casino is partnered with and download that app while on tribal land. Provide your personal information, create a login and password to get started.
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deposit
Next you’ll want to fund your account so have money to wager with. Cash can be provided at the betting window and the attendant can link the money to your account.
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choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
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place a wager
very sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
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withdraw funds
Since funds need to be withdrawn in person, remember to check your sportsbook account before leaving the property and consider when you might be coming back. Let a sportsbook employee know when you’re ready to withdraw funds and they’ll assist you.
Local teams to bet on
Washington sports bettors have three professional teams in Seattle they like to bet on, but none are in the NBA after the Seattle Supersonics left in 2008 for Oklahoma City. Thankfully for Washington area sports fans, the NHL’s Kraken helped fill the void after arriving in Seattle for the 2021-2022 season. After Washington legalized sports betting in 2021, all three Seattle franchises made the playoffs in 2022.
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ImageNFL – Seattle Seahawks: If sports betting was legalized sooner, fans in Washington would have enjoyed betting the “under” in games featuring Seattle’s Legion of Boom defense with Richard Sherman and company. The Seahawks have finished over .500 in 11 of their last 12 seasons, but time will tell if that success continues with longtime head coach Pete Carroll leaving the sideline.
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ImageNHL – Seattle Kraken: The Kraken only have three NHL seasons under their belt, but already advanced to the second round of the playoffs in their second season. Jared McCann and Oliver Bjorkstrand were popular “over” choices in the player prop marker for bettors in Washington last season.
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ImageMLB – Seattle Mariners: Long gone are the days of Randy Johnson and Ken Griffey, Jr., but bettors in Washington still love to bet their Mariners during the long 162-game season. The Mariners roster features 2022 Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez who provides power and speed on the basepaths.
USA Betting News
Washington takes responsible gambling seriously and the Washington State Gambling Commission oversees a self exclusion list for those struggling with gambling addiction. In 2019, the state legislature also created a Problem Gambling Task Force (PGTK) which produces reports and studies on gambling behavior.