The iGaming industry is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. Online casinos went from relatively unknown to multi-billion-dollar websites in two short decades. Not only that, but they’ve done so even under strict regulation and outright bans.
In the USA, for example, plenty of states issue strict orders to regulate online casinos. Washington is one such state. Online casino regulation in Washington is so tight that many believe gambling is outright illegal. So, let us see if that is the case.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Washington?
The state of Washington has a law in place that makes online gambling a class C felony. In other words, the practice is banned. Plenty of gamblers from Washington might be disappointed by this information. However, despite the laws, Washingtonians do have options for online gambling.
We’ve explored the history and legality of online casinos in Washington. In this article, we would like to provide a detailed analysis of the legality of Washington online gambling and talk about how a state resident can have fun at online casinos.
Sports Betting Online
Sports betting is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, subsections of online gambling. Americans love sports, whether it be football, basketball, baseball, and even soccer. When people have a deep passion for sports, wagering is not far behind.
Online sportsbooks are legal in Washington. However, there is a caveat. Washingtonians can only wager at tribal casinos. The entire state has only one online bookie, run by a tribal casino. But doesn’t traveling outside your home make online casinos and sportsbooks redundant? Are there other ways to safely gamble online in the Evergreen state?
Safe and Legal Online Gambling in Washington
We’ve already established that online gambling in Washington is illegal. However, the law targets only a specific group, namely, the online casino operators that work within the state. In other words, the gamblers are safe, bettors are safe, and most importantly, offshore casinos and bookies are safe.
That means that Washingtonians can play at online casinos if they are headquartered outside the state. If you need more evidence of this, you can look at court records to find that not a single person, player, promoter, or otherwise, has faced prosecution since the law passed in 2006. This means that residents of Washington are free to gamble online and have fun.
How Can I Know to Pick the Website?
Online casinos can’t operate within Washington’s borders. However, players can access offshore websites and play their favorite games. But, with so many offshore casinos, how can players know which ones are safe and legitimate?
- Licenses: a license is the most obvious sign of a safe and legit site. Licenses show that a notable authority has looked at the website and deemed it safe, balanced, and fair. If a casino is unlicensed, you best avoid it.
- Reputation: reputation is key when picking your gambling site. If a website has a poor reputation, something might be wrong.
- Reviews: online casino reviews are very popular, and for good reason. They cover many topics and answer any questions about online casinos, not just in Washington but in general.
These three factors are key when determining which website you should go for. Of course, there might be other reasons you’d like to visit a website, from bonuses to the game library. But those are all secondary to the license and reputation of an online casino.
Land-based Gambling in Washington
We’ve looked at most avenues for online gambling. But, it would benefit us to discuss the land-based gambling industry in Washington for a point of comparison. Are land-based casinos legal? Yes. Washington has several tribal casinos, many featuring sports betting and casino games.
It doesn’t end there, though. Washingtonians can play the lottery, which is sanctioned by the state itself in most cases. There is also the option for charitable gambling. For the uninitiated, charitable gambling tournaments take most of the proceeds and donate them to charity.
Sports betting shops are also quite popular. Land-based wagering is a big pastime in the evergreen state. However, it should be worth noting that different gambling establishments have different rules for the legal age. Somewhere, it is 18, while in other places it is 21. Do the proper research before you visit one of these establishments. Otherwise, you might get turned away at the door.
FAQ
Are online casinos legal in Washington?
No, Washington has made owning and operating an online casino within the state a class C felony. However, state residents can still play at offshore accounts without fear of legal repercussions.
Are sports betting online legal in Washington?
Yes. However, to wager on sports, bettors must visit the Tribal casinos that have been authorized to run online sports betting sites. Alternatively, they can access offshore bookies and wager from home.
What are the rules for land-based gambling?
Washington has several tribal casinos that Washingtonians can visit to play their favorite games.
How old do you have to be to gamble in Washington?
The legal gambling age in most places in Washington is 18. However, it may be 21 in some instances.
Can I play the lotto in the Evergreen State?
Absolutely. The state-sanctioned lottery is perfectly legal.