Washington maintains one of the most tightly regulated gambling environments in the United States. Gambling in the state is not regulated or licensed unless specifically authorized by law.
The Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) enforces the rules under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 9.46) and Washington Administrative Code Title 230. Local governments can restrict certain gambling activities but cannot expand them beyond what state law permits.
The state allows a limited range of approved gambling options. These include the Washington State Lottery, tribal casinos, horse racing, charitable gaming, and sports betting at tribal facilities.
The lottery offers draw games and scratch tickets that support state programs. Tribal casinos operate under compacts with the state and offer table games and slot-style machines. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse races remains permitted and regulated. Non-profit groups can also host bingo, raffles, and pull-tab games under strict conditions.
Meanwhile, sports wagering became allowed in 2020 through House Bill 2638. However, only tribal casinos may offer it, and betting must occur on tribal land. Even mobile wagers must be geofenced to tribal property. Daily Fantasy Sports and online casinos remain not regulated or licensed.
Washington also treats transmitting or receiving gambling information via the Internet as not regulated or licensed activity. These restrictions make Washington one of the most conservative states for online betting.
Recent regulatory updates show the state’s continued focus on responsible gaming. New rules require more visible problem-gambling signage, advertising warnings, and clear opt-out options for players. The WSGC is also reviewing licensing fees and modernizing its technology systems to improve oversight.
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Overview: Washington Tribes and Their Role in State Betting
Tribal nations are the cornerstone of Washington’s regulated gambling industry. Nearly 30 federally recognized tribes exist in the state, and more than 20 operate Class III casinos under tribal-state compacts.
These agreements, formed under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, define permitted games, regulatory standards, and how gaming revenues are used. Each compact is negotiated with the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC), ensuring that tribal operations meet state and federal requirements while respecting tribal sovereignty.
Tribal casinos offer slot-style machines, table games, poker, and other forms of entertainment that make up the majority of legal gambling in Washington.
In 2020, House Bill 2638 expanded their authority by allowing sports betting exclusively on tribal lands. This legislation solidified the tribes’ dominant role in the betting market and reaffirmed their right to self-regulate within state-approved frameworks.
Even mobile sports wagering is restricted to tribal property through geofencing technology, reflecting the state’s cautious approach to digital betting expansion.
Beyond gaming, tribal operations generate major economic and social benefits. Revenue supports education, healthcare, housing, and infrastructure within tribal communities, while thousands of jobs are created statewide.
Many tribes also invest in responsible gambling programs and regional development. Through strong governance and adherence to compact terms, Washington’s tribes sustain a balanced system that upholds sovereignty, promotes economic growth, and ensures player protection.
Current State Laws of Washington Regulating Gambling
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9.46 – Gambling Act
This is Washington’s primary gambling law. It defines gambling, outlines prohibited and permitted activities, and grants authority to the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC).
The act establishes that all gambling is not licensed or regulated unless specifically authorized by law. It also regulates licensing, enforcement, and penalties for illegal gambling activities.
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 230 – Gambling Commission Rules
These administrative rules implement RCW 9.46. They detail licensing requirements, recordkeeping, permitted game types, equipment testing, and operational standards for all licensees.
The WAC also governs charitable gaming, card rooms, and tribal compact procedures.
RCW 9.47 – Gambling Fraud and Cheating
This law criminalizes cheating, defrauding, or manipulating gambling activities and devices. It covers rigging games, tampering with gambling equipment, and using counterfeit items in gambling establishments.
RCW 9.46.240 – Internet Gambling
This section explicitly prohibits transmitting or receiving gambling information via the Internet. It makes most forms of online gambling not regulated or licensed in Washington, including online poker, casino games, and certain fantasy contests.
RCW 67.16 – Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering
This law authorizes and regulates pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing. It created the Washington Horse Racing Commission (WHRC), which licenses race tracks, regulates betting pools, and enforces racing integrity standards.
RCW 67.70 – State Lottery Law
This law established the Washington State Lottery and its Commission. It defines how lottery games are conducted and how proceeds are distributed to support education, natural resources, and human services.
House Bill 2638 (2020) – Tribal Sports Wagering Authorization
This bill authorizes sports betting at tribal casinos under Class III gaming compacts. It limits wagering to tribal lands and allows tribes to operate on-site and mobile sports betting within geofenced boundaries.
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA, Federal Law) – Incorporated by Compact
Although a federal law, IGRA is foundational to Washington’s gambling structure. It allows federally recognized tribes to operate casinos through compacts with the state. The compacts define game types, regulatory cooperation, and revenue use.
Latest Washington Gambling Legislative Updates
House Bill 1222 (2025)
HB 1222 strengthens confidentiality protections within Washington’s gambling industry by updating the Public Records Act (PRA). The bill exempts certain financial, operational, and security-related information submitted to or obtained by the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) from public disclosure.
This includes financial statements, loan details, player tracking data, gaming equipment specifications, and facility security systems such as surveillance layouts or network structures.
Signed into law on April 21, 2025, and effective July 27, 2025, the bill ensures that sensitive proprietary and security information remains protected from potential misuse.
Lawmakers introduced the measure in response to growing cybersecurity risks and concerns that public release of internal casino data could compromise the integrity of regulated gambling operations.
Senate Bill 5196 (2025)
Senate Bill 5196 is a companion to House Bill 1222, which addresses similar confidentiality changes. The bill proposes to amend the state’s public records laws to protect proprietary financial and security information submitted to or obtained by the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC).
In particular, it targets documents such as financial statements, security system schematics, gaming-equipment specs, and other sensitive operational information tied to regulated gambling entities.
The bill was introduced on January 9, 2025, and first read on January 13 in the Senate’s State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee. At the time of last update, the bill was in the committee stage and had not yet passed into law.
If passed, SB 5196 would enhance the confidentiality framework around regulatory oversight of gambling operations, representing a shift toward stronger protection of internal data in the gambling sector.
Land-Based Sports Betting in Washington
Legal Status: Legal, but only on Tribal Territory
Land-based sports betting in Washington is legal but strictly limited to federally recognized tribal casinos.
The legalization came through House Bill 2638 (2020), which authorized in-person sports wagering only on tribal lands under amended Class III gaming compacts. This move reinforced the tribes’ exclusive control over most gambling operations in the state.
Under this framework, bettors must place wagers in person at approved tribal casinos; no commercial or non-tribal retail sportsbooks are licensed to operate.
Each participating tribe manages its sports betting operations in partnership with the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) and the U.S. Department of the Interior, which must approve all compact amendments.
As of 2025, more than fifteen tribes have received approval to offer on-site sports betting, including the Snoqualmie, Tulalip, and Kalispel Tribes. Mobile or online sports wagering remains prohibited statewide, except when conducted within geofenced tribal lands.
Ongoing developments focus on regulatory adjustments. This includes improving responsible gaming practices and updating compliance measures under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 230.
While expansion beyond tribal lands remains unlikely, the state continues to refine its oversight, maintaining a cautious and sovereignty-respecting approach to sports betting.
List of Land-Based Sports Betting Operations in Washington
Northern Quest Resort & Casino (Airway Heights)
Operator: Kalispel Tribe of Indians
Owned and operated by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the resort features the Turf Club Sports Book, a modern sportsbook facility that opened in December 2021.
Patrons can place bets on professional sports, futures, parlays, teasers, and all major betting formats. However, wagering on Washington-based college teams remains prohibited.
The sportsbook also integrates off-track betting (OTB) for horse racing, simulcasting national tracks through the Turf Club area.
Emerald Queen Casino Tacoma (Tacoma) / Fife
Operator: Puyallup Tribe of Indians
The sportsbook is owned by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and operated via a partnership with BetMGM. Located in Tacoma (with supplemental kiosk operations at the Fife location), the venue opened its flagship lounge on December 20, 2021. This marked one of the largest retail sports-betting environments in the Pacific Northwest.
Muckleshoot Casino Resort (Auburn)
Operator: Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
The sportsbook at Muckleshoot Casino Resort is owned by the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and operated in partnership with Caesars Sportsbook. It opened in early 2022 and brings retail sports wagering to the Seattle-Tacoma region through a large, modern venue.
Betting options include moneyline, point spread, totals, parlays, futures, and in-game live wagers on major professional and collegiate sports (with the usual prohibition on Washington-based college teams).
Clearwater Casino & Resort (Kitsap County)
Operator: Suquamish Tribe
The Suquamish Tribe owns this casino and resort property on the Kitsap Peninsula; under the compact amendments the tribe became eligible to offer sports wagering under the regulatory framework.
The sportsbook covers over 2,000 square feet, featuring three live betting windows, twelve self-service kiosks, and a 32’×9′ high-definition video wall surrounded by club-style seating.
ilani Casino Resort
Operator: Cowlitz Indian Tribe
The ilani Casino Resort sportsbook is a land-based, on-site sports wagering venue owned by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (in partnership with Salishan-Mohegan) and operated under a long-term agreement with Kambi Group plc, which provides the sportsbook platform.
Located in Ridgefield, Washington on the tribal reservation land, this sportsbook opens up full sports betting amenities. Bets can be placed at the sportsbook counter inside The Stadium Sports Bar & Grill and via kiosks spread throughout the casino floor.
12 Tribes Omak Casino Hotel / 12 Tribes Lake Chelan / 12 Tribes Coulee Dam
Operator: Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
The 12 Tribes Omak Casino Hotel is one of the three venues where the “12 Sports Book” kiosk-based sportsbook was launched. Its sports-betting operations provide self-service kiosks on the casino floor, available 24 hours a day.
The venue also partners with US Integrity (monitoring service) to track wagering integrity and abnormal patterns.
Also under the Colville Tribes’ gaming arm, the 12 Tribes Lake Chelan features similar sportsbook kiosk operations branded “12 Sports Book.” The kiosks allow 24/7 access on the casino floor. The launch took place in November 2022 in collaboration with IGT PlaySports as the technology provider.
The venue emphasizes guest experience and integrity through its monitoring partnerships.
Lastly, the 12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino is the third location that also offers sports-wagering kiosks under the “12 Sports Book” brand.
The operations launched at this property concurrently with the other two in late 2022, enabling in-person wagering across the North Central region of the state.
7 Cedars Casino Hotel
Operator: Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe
Owned by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe on the Olympic Peninsula, this casino hotel is part of the tribal network authorized for sports wagering under the amended compact.
Wagering options include major professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) as well as soccer, tennis, golf, MMA and motorsports. Bet types cover moneyline, spreads, totals, parlays, futures and props.
However, bets on Washington-based collegiate teams remain prohibited under state rules.
Silver Reef Casino Resort
Operator: Lummi Nation
Owned by the Lummi Nation, this extensive resort property in Whatcom County was among the tribes to sign the compact amendments enabling sports wagering. It officially opened on August 31, 2022 with Betfred as the launch operator.
Sports wagering is available on major professional and collegiate sports, including same-game parlays and live/in-game betting options after the relaunch in May 2025 under the new IGT PlaySports platform.
Mistequa Casino Hotel
Operator: Spokane Tribe
The Spokane Tribe, based near Spokane, signed the sports wagering compact amendment and their gaming facilities are eligible to offer sports betting as part of that authorization.
It features a retail wagering area branded as Caesars Sportsbook, which launched in early 2022 under the tribe’s compact-approved sports-betting authority.
Guests may place bets on major professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) as well as soccer, golf, MMA/boxing, and motorsports. Wager types include moneylines, spreads, totals, parlays, futures and proposition (prop) bets.
The sportsbook prohibits wagering on Washington-based collegiate teams, per state rules.
Angel of the Winds Casino Resort
Operator: Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians
Owned and operated by the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, this tribal-casino sportsbook opened in December 2021 and is located in Arlington, Washington.
Branded as “The Book @ 210 Brewing CO.”, it features full-service betting counters plus 24/7 self-service kiosks throughout the casino floor for sports and off-track wagering.
Guests can place bets on a wide variety of professional and collegiate sports (except for Washington-based college teams). The menu includes moneylines, point spreads, parlays, teasers, props, futures, live/in-game betting, and off-track horse race wagering.
Washington Online Sports Betting
Legal Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online sports betting in Washington remains not licensed or regulated. Under current state law, all legal sports wagering must occur in person and on tribal lands through licensed tribal casinos operating under state-tribal gaming compacts.
The Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) strictly enforces this limitation, meaning statewide online or mobile betting. Apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, or BetMGM cannot legally accept wagers unless the user is physically located within a tribal casino’s premises.
The restriction stems from Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2638 (2020), which authorized sports betting exclusively at tribal casinos. While several tribes now offer mobile apps for on-property use, these apps are geofenced and cannot operate outside the casino boundaries.
Lawmakers and industry groups have occasionally discussed potential expansion of online sports betting, citing consumer demand and lost tax revenue to neighboring states.
However, as of 2025, there have been no successful legislative efforts to expand sports wagering statewide.
Other Online Sports Betting Options for Washington Residents
Betting sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for Washington players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of Washington players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
Washington Land-Based Casino Gambling
Status: Legal only on Tribal Lands
Land-based casinos in Washington are legal and regulated, but only when operated by federally recognized tribes under state-tribal gaming compacts.
Commercial (non-tribal) casinos are not licensed or regulated. The Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) oversees these compacts, ensuring compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and state law.
Currently, there are over 30 tribal casinos across Washington, run by 22 federally recognized tribes. These establishments offer a wide range of gaming options.
This includes slot-style electronic machines, poker, keno, and various table games such as blackjack and baccarat. However, Washington law prohibits traditional house-banked games outside of tribal lands.
Efforts to authorize commercial or privately owned casinos have repeatedly failed in the legislature, primarily due to strong tribal sovereignty protections and the state’s cautious gambling policy.
In summary, Washington’s land-based casinos are legal only on tribal lands and remain among the most tightly regulated gaming operations in the United States.
List of Land-Based Casinos in Washington
Muckleshoot Casino Resort – Auburn
Owner: Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
Known as the “Biggest in the Northwest,” it offers over 3,000 gaming machines, luxury hotel rooms, and a new 20-story resort tower. It also features a massive events center, top-tier restaurants, and Washington’s first full-scale on-site sportsbook under tribal authority.
Tulalip Resort Casino – Tulalip
Owner: Tulalip Tribes of Washington
This AAA Four Diamond resort combines 200,000 square feet of gaming with luxury spa services, fine dining, and large-scale entertainment. The property includes an art-filled hotel and an adjacent outlet mall, making it a regional destination for leisure and shopping.
Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel – Tacoma / Fife
Owner: Puyallup Tribe of Indians
The Tacoma property features over 310,000 square feet of gaming, a 2,000-seat event center, and a modern sportsbook. Its LED-lit architecture and rooftop views of Mount Rainier make it a standout urban tribal casino.
Northern Quest Resort & Casino – Airway Heights
Owner: Kalispel Tribe of Indians
The resort includes a luxury hotel, a 16,000-square-foot spa, and a state-of-the-art event center. It also offers the first cigar lounge in a Washington casino and an on-site sportsbook, making it a key entertainment hub for Eastern Washington.
Silver Reef Casino Resort – Ferndale
Owner: Lummi Nation
Features an award-winning steakhouse, full-service spa, and conference center. The resort is recognized for its environmentally friendly operations and proximity to Bellingham Bay, offering coastal views and premium accommodations.
Angel of the Winds Casino Resort – Arlington
Owner: Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians
Known as the “World’s Friendliest Casino,” it features a 125-room hotel, a high-tech sportsbook, and an indoor axe-throwing venue. It is one of the most technologically advanced tribal casinos, with cashless payment options across the property.
7 Cedars Casino Hotel – Sequim
Owner: Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe
Blends gaming and coastal beauty with 100+ hotel rooms and a focus on sustainability. It features the scenic Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course and showcases tribal art throughout the property.
12 Tribes Omak Casino Hotel – Omak
Owner: Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Offers a resort-style experience with a rooftop lounge and panoramic mountain views. The property emphasizes indigenous-inspired dining and regional entertainment, serving as a cultural and economic hub for North-Central Washington.
Little Creek Casino Resort – Shelton
Owner: Squaxin Island Tribe
Home to the Salish Cliffs Golf Club, a nationally ranked course. The resort also features the Seven Inlets Spa and Little Creek Events Center, making it a destination for both gaming and luxury leisure.
Snoqualmie Casino – Snoqualmie
Owner: Snoqualmie Indian Tribe
Known as “Seattle’s Closest Casino,” it offers mountain views, a high-limit room, and a premium sportsbook. It’s the only casino overlooking the iconic Snoqualmie Falls, providing a high-end yet scenic gaming experience.
Washington Online Casino Gambling
Legal Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online casinos in Washington are not licensed or regulated under state law. The state maintains some of the strictest anti-online gambling policies in the U.S. The Washington State Gambling Act (RCW 9.46) explicitly prohibits internet-based gambling, including casino-style games such as online slots, poker, and blackjack.
In terms of legal developments, there has been limited legislative movement toward legalizing or regulating online casinos. Recent efforts in the legislature have focused on tribal land-based expansions and sports betting regulation, not online gaming.
Tribes remain key stakeholders in any potential online gambling framework, but current discussions emphasize caution due to consumer protection and regulatory challenges.
Other Online Casino Options for Washington Residents
Online casinos based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for Washington players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
Washington Poker
Status: Legal
Land-based poker in Washington is legal but strictly regulated. The state allows poker to be offered in tribal casinos and licensed card rooms, both of which operate under specific state or tribal compacts overseen by the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC).
Tribal casinos offer poker as part of their Class III gaming agreements, while non-tribal card rooms operate under state-issued licenses with limits on the number of tables and betting structures.
Washington’s poker scene is diverse, featuring a mix of tribal poker rooms such as those at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort and Tulalip Resort Casino. There are also smaller commercial card rooms found mainly in urban areas like Tacoma, Renton, and Seattle.
These venues host live cash games, daily tournaments, and regional poker events under regulated conditions.
Recent legislative activity has primarily centered on sports betting and tribal gaming compacts, with no significant efforts to expand or modify the state’s poker laws.
List of Poker Operations in Washington
Fortune Poker Room (Renton)
Owner: Maverick Gaming
No. of Tables: ~16
A dedicated poker-only venue open 24/7 near Seattle, featuring cash games, daily tournaments and strong high-hand promotions.
Ace’s Poker Room (Mountlake Terrace)
Owner: Maverick Gaming
No. of Tables: 15
Poker-focused room in the northern Seattle suburbs with modern amenities, over 30 TVs, and both cash game and tournament offerings.
Caribbean Cardroom – Kirkland
Owner: Maverick Gaming
No. of Tables: 15
Suburban Seattle card room offering a full house-banked/card-room setup with poker and other table games, legal under Washington’s card-room rules.
Lucky Eagle Casino & Card Room (Rochester)
Owner: Squaxin Island Tribe
No. of Tables: Not publicly specified
Tribal-linked card room adjacent to tribal resort; offers poker alongside slots and table games in a resort atmosphere.
Little Creek Casino Resort Poker Room (Shelton)
Owner: Squaxin Island Tribe
No. of Tables: Not publicly specified
Part of the larger tribal resort in the Puget Sound region, it provides poker tables to guests alongside hotel and spa amenities.
Washington Online Poker
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online poker in Washington is not licensed or regulated under state law. Because of this, major online poker platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP.com, and partypoker do not legally operate within the state.
As of 2025, there have been no significant legislative efforts to legalize or regulate online poker. Lawmakers have focused primarily on tribal gaming compacts and sports betting expansion, leaving online poker outside the state’s current gambling framework.
Other Online Poker Options for Washington Residents
Online poker sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for Washington players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of Washington players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
Washington Horse Betting
Status: Legal
Land-based horse betting is licensed and regulated in Washington, making it one of the few forms of gambling legally permitted in the state. The Washington Horse Racing Commission (WHRC) oversees all horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering activities, ensuring fair play and the integrity of betting operations.
The state’s primary racing venue, Emerald Downs in Auburn, serves as the center of horse betting in Washington. It offers live races, seasonal events, and off-track wagering options. Bettors can place wagers on various race types, including win, place, show, and exotic bets.
While horse racing remains legal, the industry has faced challenges due to declining attendance and competition from other gambling sectors.
To address this, regulators and stakeholders have explored modernization efforts such as expanded simulcast wagering and partnerships with tribal casinos to attract new audiences.
Overall, land-based horse betting in Washington continues to operate under a strict regulatory framework, preserving its long-standing role in the state’s gambling landscape while seeking ways to stay competitive in a changing market.
List of Horse Betting Operations in Washington
Emerald Downs (Auburn, WA)
Owner: The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
Emerald Downs serves as Washington’s premier horse racing venue and the state’s only active thoroughbred racetrack. Opened in 1996, it hosts live racing seasons from spring through early fall, featuring major events like the Longacres Mile.
The facility includes grandstand seating, dining areas, and an on-site sportsbook-style betting area for pari-mutuel wagering. The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, which owns the venue, has maintained Emerald Downs as a hub for Washington’s racing culture while supporting local breeding and equine industries.
Auburn Off-Track Betting (OTB) at Emerald Downs
Owner: The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
Located within the Emerald Downs complex, Auburn OTB allows bettors to wager on simulcast races from across the U.S. and abroad. It operates year-round, offering televised racing events, live odds, and comfortable betting stations.
The facility provides an extension of the live racing experience, making it a popular destination for local bettors even outside the live race season.
Washington Online Horse Betting
Status: Legal
Online horse betting in Washington is licensed and regulated under the oversight of the Washington Horse Racing Commission (WHRC). The state allows residents to place wagers on horse races through authorized advance deposit wagering (ADW) platforms, provided these operators are officially approved by the WHRC.
Currently, only a handful of ADW providers such as TVG, TwinSpires, and Xpressbet are permitted to offer online horse race betting services to Washington residents. These platforms allow users to fund their accounts and place wagers on both local and international races.
Despite the legal pathway for online horse betting, Washington maintains strict gambling regulations. In recent years, there have been discussions about expanding digital wagering options, including modernizing the WHRC’s framework to attract younger bettors and increase racing revenue. However, no major legislative changes have been enacted.
Overall, Washington offers a controlled but accessible environment for online horse betting, balancing responsible gaming oversight with the state’s long-standing support of its horse racing industry.
List of Online Horse Betting Operations in Washington
TVG (FanDuel Racing)
Owner: Flutter Entertainment (FanDuel Group)
TVG, now operating under the FanDuel Racing brand, is one of the largest and most established online horse betting platforms in the U.S. Licensed by the Washington Horse Racing Commission, it allows residents to wager on races from Emerald Downs and hundreds of international tracks.
The platform offers live race streaming, real-time odds, handicapping tools, and mobile betting. TVG’s integration with FanDuel provides bettors with a user-friendly interface and strong brand reliability backed by Flutter Entertainment, one of the world’s leading gaming operators.
TwinSpires
Owner: Churchill Downs Incorporated
TwinSpires serves as the official online wagering arm of Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. It is fully licensed to operate in Washington and provides bettors access to live and simulcast racing events nationwide.
The platform features advanced handicapping data, multiple betting formats, and a sleek mobile app. Known for its high-quality live streams and competitive promotions, TwinSpires appeals to both casual and seasoned horse racing fans.
Xpressbet
Owner: 1/ST Technology (The Stronach Group)
Xpressbet is another WHRC-approved online betting provider, offering a wide selection of domestic and international horse races. Owned by The Stronach Group, which operates several major U.S. racetracks, Xpressbet is recognized for its secure platform, in-depth race analysis, and loyalty rewards.
Washington players can access race replays, handicapping contests, and seamless wagering options via desktop or mobile devices.
Other Online Horse Betting Options for Washington Residents
Online horse betting based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for Washington players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
Washington Lotteries
Legal Status: Legal
Lotteries are licensed and regulated in Washington, making them one of the most popular and accessible forms of legal gambling in the state.
The Washington’s Lottery, established in 1982, operates under the supervision of the Washington State Lottery Commission. Its proceeds support several public programs, including education, early childhood development, and state housing initiatives.
Residents can participate in a variety of draw and scratch games, such as Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto, Hit 5, and Match 4. The state also offers instant-win scratch tickets, which are sold at thousands of licensed retailers across Washington.
While traditional lottery sales remain strong, there has been growing discussion about expanding to online ticket sales. Currently, online lottery purchases are not licensed or regulated, meaning residents must buy tickets in person.
However, players can still use the official Washington’s Lottery mobile app to check results, scan tickets, and find retailers, though not to place wagers.
Overall, the Washington Lottery continues to thrive under strict state oversight. It remains a cornerstone of legal gambling in the region, providing entertainment for residents while generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually for state-funded community programs.
List of Lottery Platforms in Washington
Washington’s Lottery
Owner: Washington State Lottery Commission (State Government)
Founded in 1982, Washington’s Lottery is the state’s sole authorized lottery operator. It offers a wide selection of draw and scratch games, including national titles like Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as local favorites such as Hit 5, Lotto, and Match 4.
Proceeds from ticket sales fund essential state programs, including education scholarships, early learning, and housing assistance. The lottery operates under the strict supervision of the Washington State Lottery Commission, ensuring transparency and responsible gaming practices.
Powerball (Multi-State Lottery Association)
Owner: Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL)
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game available to Washington players through the Washington’s Lottery network. Managed by the MUSL, Powerball offers massive jackpots and weekly drawings every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Although operated on a national level, ticket sales and prize distributions in Washington are regulated and administered by the state lottery commission.
Mega Millions (Multi-State Lottery Association)
Owner: Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL)
Mega Millions is another national lottery game available in Washington. Like Powerball, it is run in partnership with MUSL and overseen locally by Washington’s Lottery.
The game features multi-million-dollar jackpots, bi-weekly drawings, and multiple ways to win. All Washington ticket sales contribute to the state’s public programs, ensuring benefits stay within the community.
Washington Sweepstakes
Legal Status: Not licensed or Regulated
Sweepstakes are not licensed or regulated in Washington, meaning the state does not officially oversee or authorize these types of promotional gaming activities.
Under Washington law, sweepstakes and similar “chance-based contests” are carefully scrutinized because they often resemble unregulated gambling if they involve payment or consideration for entry.
Legally, sweepstakes may only operate in Washington if they are free to enter and do not require a purchase or wager.
Businesses often use them for promotional purposes such as raffles, giveaways, or online contests, but these must comply strictly with the state’s consumer protection and gambling laws. Violations can result in penalties from the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC).
The WSGC has issued multiple warnings stating that sweepstakes operations are not licensed or regulated. Moreover, the WSGC emphasized that only state-approved gaming, such as tribal casinos or the state lottery, is legal.
Currently, there are no active bills or legislative efforts to legalize or regulate sweepstakes casinos in Washington. The state continues to maintain a strict stance against unlicensed forms of chance-based gaming, prioritizing consumer protection and lawful gambling activity.
Washington Sweepstakes Casinos
Legal Status: Not licensed or Regulated
Sweepstakes casinos are not licensed or regulated in Washington, meaning they operate outside the state’s legal gambling framework.
These platforms often use a “sweepstakes model,” where players purchase virtual coins or tokens for entertainment purposes and can redeem winnings through a secondary prize system. However, because they mimic real-money gambling, they fall under scrutiny from the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC).
Washington maintains some of the strictest gambling laws in the United States, explicitly prohibiting online casino-style gaming unless authorized by the state or operated by tribal entities under federal compacts. As a result, sweepstakes casinos are considered unregulated and not state-approved.
At present, there are no legislative efforts or pending bills to legalize or regulate sweepstakes casinos in Washington.
The state continues to focus on tribal partnerships and regulated gambling forms, leaving sweepstakes-style gaming in a legal gray area.
Washington Gambling FAQ
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