Washington Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Washington. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
ILLEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are not legal in Washington. There have been no recent changes to the legality of DFS in Washington.
DFS Rules
Illegal or not authorized
Licensed Operators
Platforms do not operate
Penalties
Varies; may be treated as illegal gambling.
Minimum Age
N/A
Gambling Age
RESTRICTEDThe minimum gambling age in Washington is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.
Casino Minimum Age
21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.
Minimum Gambling Age
18-21 depending on type
Online Casinos & Poker
ILLEGALWashington prohibits online casino gambling and poker under RCW 9.46.0207. The state allows online sports betting through tribal compacts but does not authorize online casino or poker games. All other forms of online gambling remain illegal.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of online casino or poker software is prohibited unless authorized under tribal compacts.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or operation of online casino or poker platforms is illegal.
Penalties
Gross misdemeanor or felony charges for illegal gambling operations (RCW 9.46.0207).
Minimum Age
21+ for all gambling activities.
Online Gambling / Sports Betting
ILLEGALWashington prohibits all forms of online gambling and sports betting under RCW 9.46.0201. The state has not authorized any online sports betting or online casino gambling.
Online Gambling Rules
Possession of online gambling software or devices is illegal.
Licensed Operators
Sale or facilitation of online gambling or sports betting is prohibited.
Penalties
Violations can result in gross misdemeanor charges under RCW 9.46.200.
Minimum Age
21 years old for legal gambling activities.
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in Washington as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. No significant changes to social gambling laws in recent years.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
RESTRICTEDSports betting is legal with restrictions in Washington. No significant changes since the launch of retail sports betting at tribal casinos in 2021.
In-Person Betting
Restricted. Washington legalized sports betting in 2020 under HB 2638, but exclusively through tribal casinos. No online/mobile betting is available statewide — betting must be done in person at a tribal casino. Several tribes have launched retail sportsbooks.
Online/Mobile Betting
Retail only at tribal casinos. No statewide online/mobile betting. Available at Snoqualmie Casino, Tulalip Resort Casino, Muckleshoot Casino, and others.
Penalties
Washington RCW 9.46: professional gambling is a Class B felony (up to 10 years). Individual gambling is a misdemeanor. Using licensed tribal sportsbooks is legal.
Minimum Betting Age
21+