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Overview – Legal Sports Betting in Washington Today
Washington state online gambling is legal, but there are many things that you need to know if you are looking to bet in the state. Sports betting has not launched in Washington, but it’s expected to be available by football season. This is exciting for residents, but there are many negatives for Washington sports wagering.
Washington’s betting framework will make offshore sports betting still have a presence in the state. Offshore sportsbooks are very prominent in the state. Sports betting was legalized in Washington in 2020, but it has not launched.
When wagering goes live, people in the state will not be able to wager from their phones unless they are on tribal property. States without universal online gambling perform poorly throughout the nation for their betting handles. More people will wager when it’s convenient. Retail betting is not always convenient because it requires people to drive to a casino and place a wager.
| State | Washington |
| Sports Betting Law Passed | No ❌ |
| Launch date | N/A |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 18 |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes ✔️ |
| Retail Sports Betting | No ❌ |
| Retail Casinos | No ❌ |
Commuting to a casino will make people think twice before placing a bet in Washington. Retail books may be popular on the weekends, but the WA sports betting market will struggle during the week without online betting.
Top 5 Washington Online Sportsbooks
We’ve researched this year after year, continually refining our list of the top 5 Washington online sportsbooks. These sportsbooks are the best suited for Washington bettors, offering access to local betting markets and remaining legally available to residents of the Evergreen State.
| Sportsbook | Bonus Value | Bonus Code | Mobile App | Live Streaming | Crypto Deposit | Sign Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 50% up to $250 | BV1000 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Bet Now |
 | 50% up to $250 | FREE250 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Bet Now |
 | 50% up to $1,000 | MYB50 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Bet Now |
 | 200% up to $1,000 in free bets | N/A | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Bet Now |
 | 50% up to $200 | XBET50 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Bet Now |
Bovada
Bovada is our top-rated Washington online sportsbook, and for good reason. It’s one of the most trusted names in offshore betting, and Washington users consistently report a smooth and secure experience. Bovada is known for fast payouts, competitive odds, and an easy-to-navigate platform. With thousands of daily betting markets—including options for Seattle-based teams and other Pacific Northwest favorites—it’s a strong pick for bettors in the Evergreen State.
- Mobile optimization
- Lots of betting markets
- Strong industry reputation
- 75% match bonus up to $750 when using crypto
- Limited promotions for existing customers
- Fees for certain banking methods
- Lacks multiple cryptocurrency withdrawal methods
BetOnline
BetOnline is another standout sportsbook for Washington state bettors. Operating since 2001, it delivers an excellent mix of traditional and niche markets, including props, live betting, and esports. With a wide range of crypto and fiat banking methods, plus fast payouts, it’s ideal for users who want a reliable and flexible sportsbook. Washington players can find odds on local teams like the Seahawks, Mariners, and Kraken.
- Huge selection of prop bets
- Crypto-friendly
- Fast, reliable payouts
- Generous welcome bonus up to $1,000
- Dated site design for some users
- Fees on certain withdrawals
- No dedicated app
MyBookie
MyBookie offers a user-friendly experience that appeals to both beginners and experienced bettors in Washington. You’ll find lines on everything from NFL and NBA to entertainment and politics. MyBookie supports in-game betting, frequent promotions, and strong crypto support. It’s especially great for casual Washington bettors who want variety and a clean interface.
- Easy-to-use platform
- Frequent bonuses
- Live betting options
- Crypto withdrawals supported
- Smaller range of niche markets than competitors
- Withdrawal limits can be low for big bettors
- Fewer altcoin options
BetNow
BetNow is a simple, no-frills sportsbook that works well for Washington users who want to bet quickly and without hassle. It focuses on the essentials—moneylines, totals, spreads—and delivers reliable service, fast signups, and responsive customer support. While it doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles of larger platforms, it gets the job done for everyday bettors in the state.
- Clean interface
- Fast sign-up process
- Good for casual bettors
- Crypto welcome bonus
- Limited betting variety
- No app
- Fewer ongoing promotions
Xbet
Xbet rounds out our top 5 list for Washington sports bettors, offering an intuitive interface, solid odds, and a full sportsbook that mirrors MyBookie (as they share the same network). It’s known for reliability and great customer service, making it a dependable option for players in Washington who want consistency and solid value.
- User-friendly design
- Strong customer support
- Crypto deposit options
- Same-day payouts with BTC
- Lower limits on some bets
- Fewer promotions than others
- Limited esports coverage
How we review and choose these Washington betting sites
Even though retail wagering is prominent in Washington, there are still many benefits to gaming in the state. People throughout the nation betting from their phones may miss out on these opportunities.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Washington?
Sports betting is legal in Washington, but only in-person at tribal casinos. Online sports betting is not widely available to the public unless you’re physically located on tribal land using an approved app. Washington legalized retail sports betting in 2020 through House Bill 2638, but the market is very limited compared to other states.
Offshore sportsbooks remain a popular option for Washington residents who want to bet online from anywhere in the state.
What forms of gambling and betting are legal in Washington?
Washington has a regulated but narrow gambling market. Certain forms of gambling are permitted, mainly under tribal agreements or for charitable purposes. Here’s what’s currently allowed—and what’s not:
Legal forms of gambling and betting in Washington:
- Tribal casino gambling (slots, table games)
- Retail sports betting at licensed tribal casinos
- Daily Fantasy Sports (gray area but widely played)
- Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo, pull-tabs)
- Horse racing and pari-mutuel betting
- Online betting via offshore sportsbooks (not state-regulated)
Not legal in Washington:
- Statewide mobile/online sports betting (outside tribal land)
- Commercial casinos
- Dog racing and betting on dog races
- Online casino gambling (slots, blackjack, poker, etc.)
- Poker rooms not on tribal land
Washington and Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is not officially legalized in Washington, but enforcement is minimal and residents continue to participate through platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings. Washington law technically classifies DFS as illegal gambling, but there has been no active crackdown on users.
Is Horse Racing Legal in Washington
Yes, horse racing is legal in Washington, and residents can place pari-mutuel wagers both in-person and online. The Emerald Downs racetrack is the state’s primary venue for live horse racing. The Washington Horse Racing Commission regulates all racing activities in the state.
Is Dog Racing betting Legal in Washington?
Dog racing is not legal in Washington, and the state has never licensed or authorized greyhound racing. In fact, Washington prohibits betting on dog races altogether under its gambling laws.
That said, Washington residents can still wager on dog races through offshore online sportsbooks, which are not governed by U.S. or state-specific gambling laws.
Is Casino gambling Legal in Washington?
Casino gambling is legal in Washington, but only at tribal casinos. These casinos operate under compacts with the state and offer slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. Washington law allows this under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
However, commercial casinos and online casino gambling are not legal. This includes real-money online slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker.
Despite state restrictions, offshore online casinos remain accessible to players in Washington and are commonly used for real-money gambling.
Washington State Sports Betting Timeline – Recent Updates
Here is the latest news out of Washington State for legal sports betting. In addition to local-based sports betting sites, you can also use offshore sportsbooks and mobile sports betting apps. In fact, these are the betting sites we typically recommend for sports bettors in Washington State.
- August 3, 2025: Washington’s sports betting remains limited to in-person wagering at tribal casinos. Despite previous discussions, there have been no recent legislative changes to expand online or mobile sports betting statewide. The state continues to explore potential updates to its sports betting regulations, but as of now, the current framework remains in place,
- July 3, 2025 – Sports betting in Washington remains limited to in-person tribal casinos only, with recent regulatory discussions focused on potential rule updates.
- May 27, 2025 – No great movement on sports betting legislator change, despite a huge push from pressure groups and the pro-gambling community.
- May 3, 2025 – Statewide mobile betting remains off-limits as tribal casinos retain exclusive rights under current legislation
- April 1, 2025 – Washington State maintains its current sports betting framework, permitting in-person wagering exclusively at tribal casinos, with no recent legislative changes to expand online or mobile betting statewide.
When will sports betting be legal in Washington?
Sports betting is already legal in Washington, but it’s currently restricted to in-person betting at licensed tribal casinos. The state passed House Bill 2638 in 2020, which allowed sports wagering on tribal lands only.
There is no clear timeline for expanding legal sports betting statewide or online. Lawmakers have introduced proposals to allow mobile betting, but none have passed yet. Until legislation changes, Washington residents must visit a tribal sportsbook in person or use offshore sportsbooks for online betting.
Potential Legal Sports Betting Sites in Washington
If Washington ever expands its laws to allow online or statewide mobile sports betting, major sportsbook operators would likely enter the market. Based on trends in other states, there are potential legal sportsbooks that could launch in Washington in the future.
For now, these platforms are not available to Washington residents unless used on tribal lands (if partnered with a tribe). Many users in the state turn to offshore sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline, and MyBookie for full online access.
Washington Sports Betting Timeline memo
- March 2020 – House Bill 2638 is signed into law, legalizing in-person sports betting at tribal casinos only.
- September 2021 – First tribal sportsbooks officially launch, including Emerald Queen Casino and Snoqualmie Casino.
- 2022-2023 – Additional tribal sportsbooks open, but no progress is made on expanding to mobile or commercial betting.
- 2024 – Some lawmakers signal interest in revisiting statewide mobile betting, but no formal bills are passed.
Popular Teams and Sports to Bet on in Washington
Washington is home to several popular professional and college teams that generate strong betting interest. Here’s a look at some of the most bet-on teams in the state:
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
- Washington Huskies (NCAA)
- Washington State Cougars (NCAA)
Other Events to Bet on in Washington State
In addition to team sports, Washington hosts various major sporting and cultural events that attract bettors throughout the year. Notable events include:
- The Seattle Seafair – Annual summer festival featuring hydroplane racing and air shows
- Emerald Downs Races – Thoroughbred horse racing season in Auburn
- Boeing Classic – PGA Tour Champions golf event held in Snoqualmie
- Seattle Marathon – Popular annual marathon drawing thousands of participants and spectators
- Apple Cup – Annual college football rivalry game between the Huskies and Cougars
Nearby States with Legal Sports Betting
While Washington has limited legal sports betting (mostly in-person at tribal casinos), nearby states offer additional options:
- Oregon – Legal online sports betting through the state-run app
- Nevada – Full legal sports betting, both online and in-person
- Idaho – Sports betting remains illegal, but many Washington residents stay informed about regional changes
How to Sports Bet in Washington
Sports betting isn’t legal in Washington yet—but residents can legally sign up and bet using offshore sportsbooks. The process is easy and similar to signing up with any U.S.-regulated site.
- Choose a Reputable Offshore Sportsbook – Select a trusted offshore sportsbook that accepts Washington players. Look for platforms with strong reputations, competitive odds, and reliable payouts.
- Create an Account – Click “Sign Up” on the sportsbook site and enter your name, email, and other basic info. Most sites approve accounts within minutes.
- Verify Your Identity – Some sportsbooks may ask for verification before your first withdrawal. Upload a valid ID and utility bill, if required.
- Make a Deposit – Choose your payment method (credit card, crypto, etc.), enter the amount, and fund your account securely.
- Start Placing Bets – Browse the sportsbook’s markets, select your picks, enter your stake, and confirm your bets. You’re good to go!
Washington Did Not Pass a Sports Betting Bill
States gained the ability to legalize sports betting in 2018 when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was deemed unconstitutional. Multiple states battled this law in the American legal system, but New Jersey headed the effort.
The Washington legislature did not jump at the opportunity to pass a sports betting bill. The first efforts were not made until 2020 when sports betting was passed in the state. During the legislative session, there were two separate efforts to pass Washington sports betting.
One of the bills called for sports betting at tribal casinos and card rooms throughout the state. These two entities would be allowed to offer retail betting. Additionally, there would have been mobile gambling allowed throughout Washington.
The legislature removed this bill, which made room for the future winning bill that solely legalized sports betting on tribal grounds. Governor Jay Inslee quickly signed the law to deter the opposition from taking legal action.
Cardrooms and mobile betting providers were very frustrated with the bill because they were excluded from the future sports wagering market. The state is home to over 7.6 million people, and there are multiple professional sports teams to wager in WA.
Washington Could Do More in a Retail Format
The Washington State Gaming Commission will preside over the market that is bound to disappoint financially. The state could do more in a retail format to make money by offering licenses to professional sports franchises, but the bill does not take this into account.
The first set of sports betting rules will be released this July. The public will be allowed to comment on the laws, and the commission will hear the complaints. The tax rates and licensing fees will also be released with the regulations.
People in the state are expected to complain over the sports betting framework, but it will not make a difference for the first draft of rules. People want universal mobile wagering, which cannot be done based on the state’s current gaming laws.
Washington to Release Sports Betting Law Soon
Washington’s goal is to release the final set of sports betting laws by July 28. Once the updated tribal compacts are approved by the Department of Interior, sports betting will be able to launch. The compacts are expected to breeze through federal inspection.
The Department of Interior has been very busy in 2021 approving updated tribal compacts. States have seen the economic benefit of sports betting and quickly passed laws to benefit from wagering financially.
If sports betting occurs by the first week of the NFL season, it will help the state. However, profits will quickly falter because of the lack of mobile betting when people are not on tribal property.
Washington Sports Betting Resources
Review some of our favorite WA sports betting resources to learn more about the industry:
- Washington State Gambling Commission: Regulatory body tasked with administering Washington sports betting laws and rules
- Authorized Washington Sports Wagering Menu: Complete list of approved sports wagers in Washington
- Washington sports wagering bill: Explore HB 2638, which authorizes sports wagering subject to tribal-state gaming terms
- Washington self-exclusion program: Allows individuals to exclude from all gambling avenues
- Washington Problem Gambling: Support for problem gamblers
Tribal Casinos in Washington
Tribal casinos in Washington are many, but only a few offer sports wagering. The Washington State Gaming Commission is handing out licenses to more and more all the time. One of the best is the Tulalip Casino. Here you can play slots and also enjoy the retail sportsbook, one of the few available in the state.
- 12 Tribes Resort Casino
- 7 Cedars Casino
- Angel of the Winds Casino Resort
- Buzz Inn Casino and Steakhouse
- Casino Snoqualmie
- Chewelah Casino
- Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort
- Clearwater Poker Room
- Club Hollywood Casino
- Coulee Dam Casino
- Coyote Bob’s Casino
- Crazy Moose Casino
- Elwha River Casino
- Emerald Downs Race Track
- Emerald Queen Casino
- Ilani Casino Resort
- Joker’s Casino
- Lancer Casino
- Legends Casino at Yakima Nation
- Little Creek Casino and Resort
- Lucky Dog Casino
- Lucky Eagle Casino
- Lucky Dragonz Casino
- Mill Bay Casino
- Mr. Z’s Casino
- Muckleshoot Indian Casino
- New Phoenix Casino
- Nisqually Red Wind Casino
- Nob Hill Casino
- Nooksack Northwood Casino
- Nooksack River Casino
- Northern Quest Casino
- Okanogan Casino and Bingo
- Quinault Beach Resort and Casino
- Red Dragon Casino
- Roxy’s Casino
- Royal Casino
- Shoalwater Bay Casino
- Silver Dollar Casino
- Silver Reef Casino
- Skagit Valley Casino
- Spokane Tribe Casino
- Swinomish Northern Lights Casino
- The Point Casino
- Tulalip Resort Casino at Quil Ceda
- Wild Goose Casino
- Wizards Casino
Washington Sports Betting FAQs
Find answers to common questions bettors like you have when researching which sportsbook to join.
Yes, sports betting is legal in WA. The betting market in the state is still in the early days, though things are moving along fairly quickly as the state develops a sports betting infrastructure. The bills signing sports betting into law were inked in March 2020, but the first casino sportsbook only began accepting bets in September 2021.
It is important to note that the legality of mobile betting in WA (Washington state in the USA, I assume) is determined by state and federal laws. As of now, sports betting is illegal in Washington state, though there have been discussions and proposals to allow it in the future. It’s best to stay updated on any changes and consult with legal experts for more information.
The gambling age in Washington is 18 years old for bingo, the state lottery, and horse racing. However, the legal age for casino gambling in Washington is 21 years old. It’s always important to follow the laws and regulations of the state you are in to avoid any legal issues.
In Washington state, it is legal to bet on horse racing and some forms of charitable gambling like raffles and bingo. However, sports betting is currently not legal in Washington. There have been some recent discussions and proposed bills to legalize sports betting in the state, but as of now, it is not an option. It is important to note that online gambling, including sports betting, is not permitted in Washington state.
Yes, horse race betting is legal in Washington. In fact, there are several racetracks across the state that offer live horse racing events, as well as off-track betting facilities where you can place wagers on races happening at tracks around the country. However, it’s important to note that online horse race betting is restricted in Washington state. So if you’re looking to place online bets on horse races, you may need to look for options outside of Washington.
As of 2023, there are 30 tribal casinos in the state of Washington, according to the Washington Indian Gaming Association. These casinos are operated by various Native American tribes throughout the state and offer a range of gaming options such as slot machines, table games, and poker rooms.
It depends on the state and the specific card room. In some states, sports betting is legal and can be done at card rooms. In other states, sports betting is only allowed through specific licensed operators or online platforms. It’s important to check the laws and regulations in your specific state and the card room you plan to visit to understand if sports betting is an option.
No, FanDuel is not legal in Washington State. According to state law, online gambling is illegal, and FanDuel operates as a daily fantasy sports website that involves placing wagers on sports events. Thus, the website does not currently accept players from Washington State, and those found participating in online gambling activities in the state may face penalties or legal consequences. Despite this, sports betting is becoming increasingly popular and it is possible that the state’s laws may change in the future to allow for regulated online sports betting.
No, DraftKings is not legal in Washington State. This means that DraftKings and other DFS platforms cannot operate in Washington State or accept players from the state. If you are a resident of Washington, you may want to consider other legal alternatives for online gaming or betting.
No, mobile sports betting is not currently legal in Washington state. In 2020, Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill into law that legalized sports betting in the state, but only at physical locations like tribal casinos. The law does not allow for online or mobile sports betting options. However, this could change in the future as other states have legalized mobile sports betting, and there is growing interest in expanding sports betting to online platforms in Washington state. It is important to stay up-to-date on any changes to the laws and regulations surrounding sports betting in the state.
Trent is a professional sports journalist specializing in UFC, MMA, and esports coverage. His work has been featured in prestigious publications such as USA Today Sports, Vice, Bloody Elbow, Fight! Magazine, UFC 360, and Narratively. Trent's connection to MMA dates back to the early days when he and his friends pooled their resources to purchase the pay-per-...
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