Sports Betting in Washington State: Laws, Markets, and Limitations
Legal Status of Sports Betting in Washington
Sports betting in Washington State is legal, but with highly specific restrictions. In March 2020, Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 2638 into law, authorizing sports wagering at tribal casinos only. This legislation marked a major step forward for Washington, but it also limited sports betting exclusively to in-person experiences at tribal gaming establishments.
Online sports betting remains illegal throughout the state unless it is conducted on the premises of a tribal casino through a geofenced app. Washington is one of the few U.S. states that has explicitly criminalized unauthorized online betting, making it a Class C felony to operate or participate in illicit online sportsbooks.
Where You Can Bet: Tribal Casinos Only
As of 2025, more than a dozen federally recognized tribes have compacts approved to offer sports betting. Notable participating casinos include:
- Snoqualmie Casino (the first to launch in September 2021)
- Emerald Queen Casino
- Tulalip Resort Casino
- Muckleshoot Casino
- Northern Quest Resort & Casino
These facilities feature retail sportsbooks powered by major providers such as IGT and BetMGM, but all betting must be conducted in person.
Types of Bets Allowed
Within Washington’s legal framework, bettors can place wagers on a wide range of professional and collegiate sports, including:
- NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL
- College football and basketball (excluding in-state teams)
- International sports like soccer and tennis
- Combat sports including MMA and boxing
However, bets on games involving in-state collegiate teams (e.g., University of Washington, Washington State University) are strictly prohibited.
No Online or Mobile Betting—With One Exception
Washington prohibits mobile or online sports betting except when used on tribal casino premises. Some casinos offer mobile apps that operate only within the boundaries of the property using geofencing technology. These apps allow users to skip physical queues, but they do not permit remote betting outside the casino grounds.
This regulatory approach is intended to preserve tribal sovereignty and protect against widespread commercial expansion of gambling within the state.
Taxation and Revenue Impact
Unlike commercial betting states, Washington does not tax sports betting revenue in the traditional sense. Instead, profits from tribal sportsbooks are reinvested into tribal government operations and community services. This includes funding for healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social programs.
There is no state revenue generated through taxation of sports betting, reflecting the nature of the compacts negotiated between tribes and the state government.
Penalties for Illegal Betting
Washington enforces some of the strictest anti-illegal gambling laws in the U.S. Participating in unauthorized sports betting operations, including offshore sites or unlicensed apps, can result in felony charges. The law categorizes such violations as Class C felonies, which can carry fines and potential prison time.
Future Outlook
Despite the national trend toward broader legalization and mobile integration, Washington remains cautious. There has been little legislative momentum toward commercial online sports betting. Tribal interests and lawmakers prioritize protecting tribal gaming compacts and limiting market saturation.
Any change toward a more open online betting market would require new legislation and likely renegotiated tribal agreements. Until then, Washington residents will continue to experience a uniquely restrictive sports betting environment.
Summary
- Legal sports betting is allowed only at tribal casinos.
- Online and mobile betting is prohibited except on tribal premises.
- Bets on in-state college teams are banned.
- Revenue supports tribal communities, not state taxes.
- Unauthorized betting is a felony offense.
Washington offers one of the most conservative legal sports betting frameworks in the U.S., focused on tribal exclusivity, physical presence, and regulatory control.
