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Washington State is something of a special case when it comes to online poker in the United States. Poker players in Washington have to contend with a legal state of affairs that is both quite restrictive and completely unique.

We’ll discuss that state of affairs, along with the likely future of online poker in Washington, in this Guide to Online Poker in Washington State.

Latest Washington Online Poker Updates

Washington is one of the few states in America that specifically calls out online poker as a crime. Worse, it designates the activity as a felony.

In 2006, then-State Senator Margarita Prentice sponsored a bill to make online poker a felony with a $10K fine or five-year prison sentence as the penalty. While most states threatened to penalize online gambling operators, Prentice wanted Washington to punish players. She got her wish that June when then-Governor Christine Gregoire signed the bill into law. Online poker became a Class C felony.

A Seattle attorney named Lee Rousso sued the state in 2008 over the right to play poker online. Despite numerous appeals and support from the then-influential Poker Players Alliance, the case was eventually rejected by the Washington State Supreme Court in 2010.

In the years that followed, there was talk of new bills to overturn the online poker law, but they never progressed through the legislature. There was little support to address the issue, especially after the State Supreme Court ruling.

Showing the propensity of Washington for overreacting to online gambling, other court cases have put free-play online gaming in the spotlight. Big Fish, an online casino game developer based in Seattle and operating since 2002, is fighting players in court who declare that the option to buy play-money chips in Big Fish’s online games violate the state laws.

Big Fish lost one of the cases in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2016, essentially ruling that even free-play online games were illegal for players in that state. That decision even prompted PokerStars to withdraw its free online poker website from Washington players.

Lawmakers made an attempt in 2019 to address sports betting, but the tribal entities that operate the state’s casinos and pushed for the anti-online poker law also expressed opposition to sports betting. So far, there has been no progress beyond discussions and the occasional hearing.

Is Online Poker Legal in Washington?

While all online poker players should be familiar with their state laws with regards to gambling, Washington State online poker players have a special motivation for learning more about the law as Washington is one of the few states that specifically singles out online gambling.

Let’s talk more about that aspect of, and a handful of other important points from, Washington State gambling law:

Let’s start off by exploring how Washington State defines the act of gambling. There are a few components to the definition, the first of which is found in Section 9.46.0237:

“”Gambling,” as used in this chapter, means 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, upon an agreement or understanding that the person or someone else will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.”

That’s basically a boilerplate definition of gambling, and it’s extended by Washington’s definition of “contest of chance” found in Section 9.46.0237. Basically, if chance plays a “material” role in the outcome of an event, then that event is a contest of chance regardless of whether or not there is also a skill component.

A number of activities are given a pass from Washington State gambling laws. Regulated forms of gambling are exempt, as are various forms of charitable gambling.

Social gambling is legal in the state of Washington (Section 9.46.0265).

You’ll see repeated references to “professional gambling” in Washington State law. Despite what the term might suggest to you, under Washington law it refers to involvement in the business or operational side of illegal gambling – not gambling professionally.

You’ve probably heard a good deal about Washington State having a law that makes playing online poker illegal. When people reference that, they’re generally talking about Section 9.46.240, which makes it a felony for anyone who

“knowingly transmits or receives gambling information by telephone, telegraph, radio, semaphore, the Internet, a telecommunications transmission system, or similar means.”

Will Washington Regulate Online Poker?

This remains a very complicated question that is largely dependent on how regulated online gambling rolls out in the rest of the United States. Specifically, a scenario that gives tribal interests sufficient motivation to embrace online poker and online gambling is the most positive one for those who want to see such games regulated in Washington.

Until some of the major stakeholders in Washington’s gaming industry develop a greater interested in regulated online poker, it seems as if the state will continue to hold its title as one of the least hospitable places for online poker players.

How Can I Play Online Poker From Washington State?

As previously mentioned, playing online poker in Washington can be potentially problematic for WA poker players. For one thing, very few sites accept players from Washington State . For another, players could be risking criminal action by participating in some forms of online poker.

The solution is either to play poker for play chips only, or to try one of the WA online poker sites that offer a unique format – such as subscription poker – that allow them to conduct business in compliance with the law of Washington State.

Top Online Poker Sites for Washington

Because of the legal situation in Washington State, residents must be very selective about the online poker sites that they use. It’s perfectly legal to access sites for play-money play, or to patronize sites that are structured in a way that comports with Washington law. If that’s the sort of WA online poker room you’re looking for, here are our picks for the top poker sites .

All Poker and Gambling Laws by State

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Washington Gambling Facts

Washington State has one of the most varied and complex regulated gambling menus of any state in America. It starts with the state-backed lottery and extends into tribal casinos. Those options share the space with Washington’s commercial casinos, card rooms and race tracks.

Things get more confusing when you start looking into charitable gambling in Washington State. Multiple forms are permitted, some of which require a license and some of which do not. Depending on your ability to obtain a license, your organization could offer games ranging from bingo to poker to full-blown casino nights.

Things are quite a bit simpler for WA online poker. Washington State does not directly regulate online gambling. No online poker, no online casino – no matter how hard you look, you won’t find an online gambling site that holds a license issued by Washington State.

Some were surprised that the Tennessee legislature approved mobile sports betting in 2019, but it came with a threat from the governor to veto any other attempts to expand gambling in the state. This will likely be the last we hear from Tennessee in a while.

Famous Washington State Poker Players

Many poker players hail from Washington, as they have been able to learn the game and hone their skills at live card rooms around the state. And prior to 2006, thousands of them also played online poker.

Scott Clements was one of the players who started online and built his bankroll on poker sites. He is now the all-time money winner in live tournaments, having to abandon his online poker activities long ago to continue residing in Washington. With a record dating back to 2005 and including several WSOP and WPT titles, Clements continues to accumulate winnings.

Longtime Washington-born poker players also hold solid places on the all-time money list, like Lee Watkinson, Lee Markholt, and Ralph Porter.

As of 2020, these were the top players in that category for live tournament earnings:

1. Scott Clements ($8.2 million)
2. Brandon Cantu ($4.4 million)
3. Lee Watkinson ($4.3 million)
4. Lee Markholt ($4.2 million)
5. Ralph Porter ($4 million)
6. Dylan Wilkerson ($3.3 million)
7. Matt Affleck ($3 million)
8. Tyler Patterson ($2.5 million)
9. Quinn Do ($2.5 million)
10. Darren Rabinowitz ($2.2 million)

Sources & Citations For This Article on Washington Online Poker

Washington gambling laws allow casinos, horse racing, a state lottery, and
most other forms of gaming.

But they’re strict when it comes to gambling online.

In addition to discussing Washington’s online gambling laws, we’ll also
cover offshore gaming sites, land-based gambling laws in Washington, where to gamble in Washington, Washington’s
gambling history and the future of gambling in Washington

Online Gambling and Washington Law

Is Online Gambling Legal in Washington?

No, online gambling is not legal in Washington. The Washington Revised Code
strictly prohibits the transmission of gambling information over the internet.
This law applies to both players and operators.

Washington is one of the few states with specific laws on the books about
online gambling.

Here’s what the Washington State Gambling Commission website says about
internet gambling:

“The Washington
State Constitution (Article II Section 24) prohibits all gambling activities
unless the activity is specifically authorized in State law. Internet gambling
has never been authorized and is illegal in Washington State.

To further clarify this, in 2006, the Washington State Legislature amended RCW
9.46.240 to affirmatively state that Internet gambling is illegal in
Washington State.

The penalty for transmitting gambling information was also increased from a
gross misdemeanor to a class C felony.

It is illegal to:

• Operate an Internet gambling site.
• Gamble on the Internet.
• Install or maintain equipment to send or receive gambling information.
• Facilitate Internet gambling in any way.”

Can I Get Arrested for Gambling Online in Washington?

Yes, you can get arrested for gambling online in Washington. It’s a felony to
gamble online in Washington, which seems like a strict penalty when compared to
many other states, where it’s usually a misdemeanor.

But we couldn’t find record of any individual who has been arrested for
gambling online in Washington.

Law enforcement in Washington doesn’t have much interested in pursuing
individual online gamblers; they’re interested in residents who are running
illegal casinos online and on land.

Washington State Gaming License Status

Is Washington Going to Legalize Online Gaming?

It’s safe to say that since Washington went to the length of specifically
prohibiting online gambling and making it a felony, they most likely won’t
legalize online gambling.

Although Washington gambling sites could bring revenue into the state, it
seems that Washington is set on outlawing all forms of online gambling.

It’s possible that with some political changes and a push from the current
casinos, online gambling could come to Washington, but it would be a long time
before we saw any change.

How Do I Choose a Good Online Gaming Site?

Our best advice to all our readers is to follow the laws in your state. But
if you’re going to risk it, you can find Washington gambling sites operating in
other countries. These are companies who don’t mind skirting the legal situation
in the state.

If you decide to play at one of these sites, you need to take appropriate
steps to find one that’s legitimate.

Choosing a good online gaming site can be easy if you know what to look for.

• Deposit Options

  Check the deposit options available on the site. If you
  don’t feel comfortable using the deposit options available, look for a different
  site. Also check the withdrawal options.

• Game Variety

  Look into the all the games that the site offers. You want to
  make sure there’s enough content to keep you entertained.

• Read Reviews

  Read reviews from current or past members of the site. Reading
  reviews can be the most crucial part of your research because it gives you the
  best idea of what you can expect from the website.

• Talk to Customer Service

  Email, call, or live chat with the customer
  service team of the website you’re considering. You don’t have to have a real
  question; just come up with anything. The point of contacting the customer
  service department is to see how professional and quick they are.

• Read the Small Print

  Read the fine print on the sign-up promotions. Some
  promotions seem too good to be true, and they usually are. Reading the fine
  print about the promotion tells you how much you have to wager or how long you
  have to be a member before you get the promotional value.

Are Offshore Gambling Sites Safe?

Checking how long a site has been in business and reviewing their licenses
can let you know if a site is safe.

For any business to stay open, they have to have customers. Check how long
the site has been in business and it will give you a good idea about if they
have loyal customers that are happy with the site. A site that has been open 10
years has more loyal customers and more reviews than a site that has been open
10 months.

Offshore gambling sites have different restrictions and regulations when
getting their license than businesses in the U.S. do. Read into the details of
the regulations they have to follow to learn about the fees and restrictions the
site might have.

Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Washington?

No, daily fantasy sports are illegal in Washington.

Here’s what the Washington State Gambling Commission Spots Wagering page says
about it:

“In 1973, when the Gambling Act was first passed 100 square sports pool
boards were authorized. We believe these boards were popular at the time and
that’s why they were specifically authorized. We understand the NCAA basketball
“Final Four” tournament and the bracket pools often associated with the
tournament increased in popularity after 1979 when ESPN aired on television.
However, bracket pools, office sports pools, and fantasy sports have never been
authorized as gambling activities in Washington State and are illegal.”

Also On This Page

More Gambling Laws in Washington

• Casino Games (Legal)
• Lottery (Legal)
• Sports and Race Betting (Parimuteul Only)
• Bingo (Charitable games only)
• Social Gambling (Illegal Eith Exceptions)

The Washington Revised Code 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,
upon an agreement or understanding that the person or someone else will receive
something of value in the event of a certain outcome. Gambling does not include
fishing derbies as defined by this chapter, parimutuel betting and handicapping
contests”

Casino Games: Legal

Casinos can be found throughout Washington. Most casinos in Washington are
tribal casinos.

Tribal casinos are authorized for class three games, so you can find your
favorite casino games, including craps, poker, blackjack, and roulette, at these
casinos.

Here’s a list of the authorized card games that card rooms in these casinos
can offer:

Sports and Race Betting: Parimutuel Only

Parimutuel, or pool betting, is legal in Washington.

Here’s what the Washington State Gambling Commission Sports Wagering page
says:

“Both businesses and individuals may offer 100 square sports pool boards.
Strict rules must be followed when offering them (RCW 9.46.0335).

• Each business or individual may offer only one board on any single athletic event.
• The board must be divided into 100 squares.
• You may charge up to one dollar per square. Each player must be charged the same entry fee (up to one dollar per square).
• Each player picks a square and their name is written in the square.
• Numbers representing game scores are randomly assigned to each square.

You should develop and post house rules for how the sports pool board will be
operated. For example, a deadline for collecting prize money, winner
identification, requirements for someone other than a winner collecting a prize,
what will happen if there is a tie, and how money will be distributed if a
winning square is not sold.

The sports pool board must be available for inspection by anyone purchasing a
square, Gambling Commission agents, and other law enforcement representatives.

These limitations apply to all sporting events equally (Super Bowl, Final
Four, etc.).

It is illegal to have a sports pool board where you:

• Have more than one board per athletic event;
• Offer anything other than 100 squares;
• or Charge more than one dollar per square.

The 100 square sports pool board is the only sports wagering authorized in
Washington State law.”

Greyhound racing is illegal in Washington. Here’s what the Washington Revised
Code says about greyhound racing:

“A person may not hold, conduct, or operate live greyhound racing for public
exhibition, parimutuel betting, or special exhibition events, if such activities
are conducted for gambling purposes. A person may not transmit or receive
intrastate or interstate simulcasting of greyhound racing for commercial,
parimutuel, or exhibition purposes, if such activities are conducted for
gambling purposes.

A person who violates this section is guilty of a class B felony, under RCW
9.46.220, professional gambling in the first degree, and is subject to the
penalty under RCW 9A.20.021″

Lottery: Legal

Washington has a state-regulated lottery.

Here’s what the Washington state lottery website says:

“In addition to Washington’s Lottery players who took home $432.9 million
last year, the Lottery helps fund and support people and communities all over
the state. From the student who receives a college grant, to the convenience
store owner supporting his family, to the CenturyLink Stadium employee,
Washington’s Lottery continues to contribute to the well-being of others with
its proceeds.”

The Washington state lottery revenue goes toward:

• Winners 61.6%
• WOPA Education 18.3%
• Cost of Sales 6.3%
• Retailers 5.1%
• Stadium & Exhibition Center 1.7%
• General Fund 4.5%
• Administration 2.1%
• Economic Development 0.4%
• And problem gambling

Washington state lottery games include:

• Power Ball
• Mega Millions
• Lotto
• Hit 5
• Match 4
• Daily Game
• Daily Keno
• And scratch off cards

Bingo: Charitable Games Only

Social card games, dice games, bingo, raffles, and more are all legal for
charitable and nonprofit organizations to run in Washington.

Here’s what the Washington charitable gaming laws say about charitable and
nonprofit organization gambling activities:

“The legislature hereby authorizes bona fide charitable or nonprofit
organizations to conduct bingo games, raffles, amusement games, and fund raising
events, and to utilize punch boards and pull-tabs and to allow their premises
and facilities to be used by only members, their guests, and members of a
chapter or unit organized under the same state, regional, or national charter or
constitution, to play social card games authorized by the commission, when
licensed, conducted or operated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and
rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.”

Social card games, punch boards, and pull tab games are also legal at
restaurants. Here’s what the Washington charitable gaming laws say about it:

“The legislature hereby authorizes any person, association or organization
operating an established business primarily engaged in the selling of food or
drink for consumption on the premises to conduct social card games and to
utilize punch boards and pull-tabs as a commercial stimulant to such business
when licensed and utilized or operated pursuant to the provisions of this
chapter and rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.”

Social gambling: Illegal With Exceptions

Washington gambling laws are based off three elements, which are a prize,
wagering, and chance. In order for it to be gambling, all three elements have to
be present, and if one of them is missing, it’s not considered gambling.

Washington residents can play any casino game in their home, as long as it’s
missing one of the three elements of gambling.

Here’s a list of the tribal casinos located in Washington:

Washington State Gambling Commission License

1) Lucky Eagle Casino

12888 188th Avenue SW,

Rochester, WA 98579

(360) 273-2000

2) Coulee Dam Casino

515 Birch Street,

Coulee Dam, WA 99116

1-800-556-7492

3) Mill Bay Casino

455 E. Wapato Lake Rd,

Manson, WA 98831

1-800-648-2946

4) 12 Tribes Resort

28968 Highway 97,

Omak, WA 98841

1-800-559-4643

5) Ilani Casino Resort

1 Cowlitz Way,

Ridgefield, WA 98642

1-877-464-5264

6) 7 Cedars Casino

270756 Hwy 101,

Sequim, WA 98382

(360) 683-7777

7) Northern Quest Casino

100 N. Hayford Road,

Airway Heights, WA 99001

(509) 242-7000

8) Silver Reef Casino

4876 Haxton Way,

Ferndale, WA 98428

(360) 383-0777

9) Muckleshoot Casino

2402 Auburn Way S.,

Auburn, WA 98002

(800) 804-4944

10) Muckleshoot Bingo

2117 Auburn Way S,

Auburn, WA 98002

(253) 735-2404

11) Red Wind Casino

12819 Yelm Hwy SE,

Olympia, WA 98513

(360) 412-5000

12) The Point Casino

7989 Salish Lane NE,

Kingston, WA 98346

(360) 297-0070

13) Emerald Queen Casino at I-5

2024 E. 29th St.,

Tacoma, WA 98404

(253) 594-7777

14) EQC at FIFE

5700 Pacific Highway E,

Fife, WA 98424

(253) 594-7777

15) Quinault Beach Resort & Casino

78 State Route 115,

Ocean Shores, WA 98569

(360) 289-4466

14) Lucky Dog Casino

19330 US-101,

Skokomish, WA 98584

(360) 877-5656

17) Snoqualmie Casino

37500 SE North Bend Way,

Snoqualmie, WA 98065

(425) 888-1234

18) Chewelah Casino

2555 Smith Road,

Chewela, WA 99109

(509) 258-9845

19) Two Rivers Casino

6828-B Highway 25 South,

Davenport, WA 99122

1-800-954-2946

20) Little Creek Casino Resort

91 West State Route 108,

Shelton, WA 98584

(360) 427-7711

21) Angel of the Winds Casino

3438 Stoluckaguamish Lane,

Arlington, WA 98223

(360) 474-9740

22) Suquamish Clearwater Resort

15347 Suquamish Way NE,

Suquamish, WA 98392

(360) 598-8700

23) Suquamish Casino

12885 Casino Drive,

Anacortes, WA 98221

(360) 293-2691

24) Tulalip Resort Casino

10200 Quil Ceda Blvd,

Tulalip, WA 98270

(360) 716-6000

25) Skagit Valley Casino

5984 N. Dark Lane,

Bow, WA 98232

(360) 724-7777

26) Yakama Legends Casino

580 E. Fort Road,

Toppenish, WA 98948

(509) 865-8800

History of Gambling in Washington

Washington legalized pari-mutuel wagering on horse races.

The Gambling Commission oversees charity gambling including bingo, pull tabs, raffles, and casio nights.

Washington Signs it’s first compact with a native tribe to open casinos.

Card rooms that offer non banked games are legalized outside of tribal lands.

Washington State Gambling Commission License Status

Internet gambling is made a felony for both players and operators.

The poker Players Alliance goes to the Supreme Court to question the Internet gambling ban, but fails with the Supreme Court choosing to back the state.

A bill is put forward to regulate intra state poker in Washington but it doesn’t make it far before it’s rejected.

Check License Status Washington State

Additional Resources

Washington Gambling Future

Washington has legalized plenty of gambling, including casinos, social
gambling, charitable gambling, a lottery, and parimutuel horse racing.

But Washington gambling sites seem to be out of the question.

Since Washington has strictly prohibited daily fantasy sports online and made
gambling online a felony for both players and operators, it’s unlikely
Washington will ever have a state-regulated gambling site.