Online Sports Betting in Washington State: Legal Landscape, Limitations, and Opportunities
Washington State presents one of the most unique and restrictive frameworks for online sports betting in the United States. Unlike many other jurisdictions that have embraced a more liberal approach, Washington has opted for a strictly controlled model rooted in tribal sovereignty. For those interested in engaging in sports betting online within Washington, understanding the legal parameters and available platforms is essential.
Legal Status of Online Sports Betting in Washington State
Online sports betting is legal in Washington State, but with a crucial caveat: it is only permitted when conducted on the premises of tribal casinos. This means that, unlike states such as New Jersey or Michigan, residents of Washington cannot legally place sports wagers from their homes using commercial sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, or BetMGM.
In March 2020, Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 2638 into law, which authorized sports betting exclusively through tribal gaming compacts. This legislation was explicitly crafted to respect the state’s long-standing agreements with Native American tribes and to restrict the spread of commercial sports betting.
How Online Sports Betting Works in Washington
Online or mobile sports betting is technically allowed, but only through apps and websites operated by federally recognized tribes — and only when the bettor is physically present at a tribal casino. These tribal apps use geofencing technology to ensure wagers can only be placed within the boundaries of the tribal lands. If you leave the casino, the app will disable the betting feature.
This creates a limited but functional online betting ecosystem where patrons can enjoy mobile convenience while complying with state regulations. For example, some casinos have designated areas on-site where guests can place bets using mobile devices connected to the casino’s Wi-Fi.
No Commercial Online Sportsbooks Allowed
Washington law explicitly prohibits the operation of commercial sportsbooks. Companies like Caesars Sportsbook, PointsBet, and BetRivers are not authorized to operate in the state. Any online sportsbook operating outside of a tribal partnership is considered illegal under Washington law.
Moreover, Washington has some of the harshest penalties in the nation for unlicensed online gambling. Even placing a bet through an offshore sportsbook can be classified as a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
Tribal Sportsbooks in Washington
As of 2025, several tribal casinos in Washington have opened retail and on-site online sportsbooks, often in partnership with major technology providers. Some of the prominent tribal sportsbooks include:
- Snoqualmie Casino (partnered with IGT)
- Muckleshoot Casino (partnered with Caesars)
- Tulalip Resort Casino (partnered with DraftKings)
- Emerald Queen Casino (partnered with BetMGM)
Each of these casinos offers in-person betting kiosks, staffed betting windows, and mobile betting for guests on-site.
Sports and Events Available for Betting
Tribal sportsbooks in Washington allow betting on a wide range of sports, including:
- NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL games
- College football and basketball (excluding Washington-based college teams)
- International soccer
- MMA and boxing
- Golf, tennis, motorsports, and more
Washington law prohibits bets on in-state college teams, such as the University of Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars, even if those teams are playing out of state.
Future Outlook
While the current legal framework restricts the growth of online sports betting in Washington, there is ongoing discussion about potential expansion. Tribal leaders, state lawmakers, and industry stakeholders continue to evaluate whether broader mobile access might be introduced in the future.
Any significant changes would require renegotiation of tribal compacts and likely new legislation. Until then, Washington remains one of the few states where online sports betting is permitted only within a narrowly defined tribal setting.
Conclusion
Online sports betting in Washington State exists under a uniquely limited model that prioritizes tribal sovereignty and restricts access to on-site participation. While this approach supports tribal economic development, it creates significant limitations for residents hoping to enjoy online sports betting from home. For now, those interested must travel to tribal casinos to place legal bets — either at the counter or through geofenced mobile apps. As the national sports betting landscape evolves, Washington’s tightly regulated model will remain a case study in balancing tradition, regulation, and opportunity.
