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Online gambling in Washington State

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In recent years, online gambling has been a booming business in the US. One reason is that technological advances make it easier and more convenient for people to wager. Online gambling involves placing bets on games of chance over the internet.

In Washington, many forms of online gambling exist. These include sports betting, casino games, poker, and bingo. Besides, people can gamble online for real money, or they can play for free. Some online gambling sites in Washington allow bettors to bet on virtual items, such as digital currencies.

Continue reading this guide to learn more about online gambling in Washington, how to gamble, and other crucial information about wagering in this state.

Best online gambling sites in Washington State

DraftKings Washington Best gambling site for NFL betting
FanDuel Washington Best gambling site for NHL betting
PointsBet Washington Best gambling site for mobile wagering
BetRivers Washington Best gambling site for boosted odds

DraftKings Washington

Founded in 2012, DraftKings is a sports betting and digital entertainment company. In addition, it allows users to play fantasy sports and bet on real-world sporting events through its website and mobile app. Its fantastic betting options on real-world sporting events allow players the chance to win real money.

Also, DraftKings Washington offers various features and benefits that appeal to sports fans and players. For example, users can create their own fantasy sports teams and compete against other users for fantastic prizes.

The partnership allows DraftKings to offer its users exclusive content and gambling experiences. These include exclusive tickets and merchandise. Overall, DraftKings Washington is one of the best gambling sites since it offers a unique and enjoyable experience. The company’s various features and benefits also make it a top choice for those looking for a fantastic way to gamble on their favorite sports.

FanDuel Washington

This gambling site is a daily fantasy sports platform that allows users to create and compete in fantasy sports leagues. The gambling company also offers online casinos and horse racing. The fantasy sports games include football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. Besides, users can create and join leagues, set up draft rules, and manage their teams throughout the season.

Also, FanDuel Washington offers various features and tools to help users manage their teams and make informed decisions. These features include player news, injury updates, statistical analysis, and more. Moreover, FanDuel Washington is famous for its fair odds and fast payouts. Besides, the site has several benefits and features, making it a favorite option among players. One advantage is providing a safe environment to protect players from fraud. Also, the site features excellent customer service and a user-friendly interface.

FanDuel Washington offers various games and betting options, making it an excellent choice for players looking for diverse gambling opportunities. In addition, FanDuel offers multiple bonuses and betting promo codes. So, it’s a perfect platform for those searching for a gambling site providing great value for their money.

BetRivers Washington

This site is a leading online sportsbook in Washington. This gambling site is a subsidiary of Rush Street Interactive, one of the largest online gaming companies worldwide. Also, the company features a wide range of betting options for gamblers, including football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. BetRivers also has live betting and a selection of casino games, including slots, table games, and video poker.

The gambling site also has several benefits that make it an attractive choice for online gambling. These benefits include a secure and safe platform, a wide range of payment options, and a customer support team available 24/7. In addition, BetRivers Washington is easy to use. Its user-friendly interface makes it a popular choice for online gambling.

PointsBet Washington

A remarkable way to enjoy a unique betting experience on online sports gambling across Washington is through PointsBet. PointsBet does not have fixed odds on sporting events, unlike traditional sports betting operators. Instead, the site features a points-based betting system, allowing players to bet on the outcome of a sporting event. Since the site relies on points scored in a sporting event, players can win more cash when they score more points. So, the PointsBet system is a unique way of betting on sports by allowing players the opportunity to win big money.

Also, PointsBet features various betting options, such as point spreads, money lines, parlays, and more. Besides, its user-friendly interface makes it easy to place bets and track your progress. In addition, the site has a user-friendly Washington betting app that allows you to place bets on the go.

No, online gambling is not legal in Washington State. According to the Washington State Gambling Commission, illegal online gambling includes casinos, daily fantasy sports, or WA sports betting. However, online horse race betting and the Washington Lottery are legal.

How to gamble online in Washington

Anyone can gamble online in Washington by setting up an account within minutes and wager immediately. One advantage of gambling sites in the state is their intuitive nature, which provides an easy-to-use interface.

However, before registering, ensure you only choose a licensed and regulated gambling site. These sites are safe for wagering and provide the best betting experience. In addition, players should avoid all offshore websites in Washington since they are unsafe for betting.

The following are the easy-to-follow steps for signing up for a gambling account in Washington.

1. Pick an online gambling site in WA from our list

We have compiled a list of reputable and licensed gambling sites in Washington. So, you don’t need to worry about finding and choosing the best sites. To begin, select your favorite website from our vetted list.

2. Create an account with your personal details

The next step is to register an account with your favorite gambling sites. Most reputable sites will request your name, date of birth or age, phone number, and email for verification. Next, provide any other required details depending on the chosen website, then create and verify your account.

Once you complete these steps, log in to your account and go to the cashier or deposit section. Next, choose your preferred payment method from the list of provided options. Ensure to fill in the requested details. If you choose a credit card, enter the names on your card, the card number, the expiry date, and the CVV digits.

3. Deposit funds using your preferred payment method

Once you confirm your preferred payment, the next step is to deposit the desired amount for wagering. If you have a promo code, you can also apply it to cut the deposit costs.

4. Start gambling online

After depositing cash, your gambling account will update the figures immediately and deduct the amount from your preferred payment. Finally, you can now wager on your favorite sports immediately.

There are only two forms of legalized online gambling in the state:

  • Washington Lottery – The Washington State Lotto is a popular form of gambling in the state, with millions of dollars in sales each year. The Lottery provides a significant source of revenue for the state for funding public education, health care, and other vital services. The Washington Lottery offers various games, including scratch-off tickets and drawing-style games. Players must be 18 years or older to buy tickets and take part in the Lottery. Besides, the Washington State Gambling Commission regulates this Lottery and ensures it operates fairly and honestly. The commission also sets the rules for the Lottery, including how players conduct games and win rewards.
  • Online horse racing – In Washington, online horse racing is a legal form of online gambling. Also, many horse racing tracks throughout the state offer live racing and simulcast betting. In addition, the Washington Horse Racing Commission licenses and regulates several horse racing sites. These sites offer various horse racing betting options, including fixed odds, pari-mutuel, and live-streaming. Besides, online horse racing is a convenient way to bet on horse races for superb wins and rewards. Also, you can find several deposit match bonuses and promotions offered by online horse racing sites, which can boost your winnings.

Forms of online gambling not allowed in Washington State

Washington only allows limited forms of gambling, such as horse racing and the state lottery. As of 2022, there are several forms of online gambling that Washington hasn’t legalized. These include:

  • Online sports betting – This form of gambling allows people to bet on the outcomes of sporting events through the internet. It is illegal in Washington because state law prohibits gambling on sports events. There are concerns that online sports betting could lead to cheating, corruption in sports, and issues arising from irresponsible gambling. So, Washington has specific laws against gambling for money through online sports betting. As a result, no legal sports betting sites operate in the state.
  • Daily fantasy sports – This form of online gambling involves players drafting virtual teams of real-life athletes and competing against other players for prizes. While daily fantasy sports are legal in most states, Washington is among the states that have banned this gambling. The ban is because daily fantasy sports is a form of gambling, and Washington has stringent laws on sports betting. Besides, daily fantasy sports opponents argue that its design exploits sports fans while preying on people unaware of the risks involved. They also say that it takes away from the enjoyment of watching sports, as fans become more focused on winning money than on the actual games. Such measures allow Washington to disallow online gambling.
  • Online casinos – An online casino is a gambling website where players can wager on casino games, typically slots and table games, and win real money. Online casinos are illegal in Washington because they violate the state’s gambling laws. Besides, Washington’s gambling laws protect consumers and prevent gambling from becoming a source of criminal activity. So, online casinos are currently illegal in the state since most of them have traits of criminal activities. In addition, the state does not regulate online casinos. So, players should recognize unscrupulous operators who can take advantage of their gambling activities.
  • Online poker – This online sports gambling in Washington is a game of chance where players bet on the value of the cards dealt. The winner is the player with the highest card value. Online poker is illegal in Washington because it is a form of gambling. Besides, Washington does not allow online poker because it risks players’ money or something valuable in the outcome of a game, contest, or event.

Who oversees online gambling in Washington?

The Washington State Gambling Commission oversees online gambling in the state. The commission enforces the state’s gambling laws, issues licenses to gambling businesses, and investigates gambling-related crimes.

Also, the commission protects the public from harmful gambling activities by ensuring fair and transparent play. It also regulates all gambling operators and ensures they comply with state laws.

Is it safe to use offshore gambling sites in WA?

No, signing up and wagering on offshore gambling sites in Washington State is unsafe. These sites have received negative feedback and complaints from players about fraudulent activities. So, to ensure your financial and personal information is safe, avoid registering and wagering on offshore casinos with online gambling acceptable in Washington.

Responsible gambling & self-exclusion programs in Washington

The Washington State Gambling Commission promotes responsible gambling and provides resources to those with gambling problems. Also, the commission offers a self-exclusion program for problem gamblers who wish to ban themselves from all gambling activities in the state.

In addition, the self-exclusion program is a free service offered by this commission. Gamblers who enroll in the program are prohibited from entering any gambling establishments or taking part in any betting activities.

Besides, players in the self-exclusion program can register for a specific period as desired. They must also provide their real identity and the required personal information. Moreover, the self-exclusion program has several valuable resources and information on its website for more support.

The latest news on the legalization of online gambling in WA state

Washington has always been home to various legal gambling, such as casinos, horse racing, and lotteries. However, Washington has never legalized other forms of online gambling regulated in other US states. These include online poker and casinos.

Besides, in March 2020, the Washington State Legislature legalized sports betting at tribal casinos. So, players could wager on sporting events at the state’s tribal casinos. Indeed, it was a significant development for the gambling industry in the state, as it opened up an extra revenue stream for the tribal casinos.

However, the latest news shows a recent push to legalize online gambling in Washington, as many other states have already done so. Lawmakers believe that legalizing online gambling would boost the state’s economy and generate more revenue. Also, the bill under consideration would create a system to regulate online gambling in the state and tax gambling revenues.

However, it’s still unclear whether the bill will pass because of vehement opposition against it from lawmakers and gambling interests. After all, recent news shows the bill has a good chance of going through soon. If it does, Washington will become the first state on the West Coast to legalize online gambling.

FAQ

How old do I need to be to gamble online in Washington State?

Washington requires that all gambling participants be at least 18 years old. This condition applies to both online and offline gambling activities. In addition, the minimum age for playing lottery games is 18. Also, exceptions exist for parimutuel betting and horse racing, but the minimum age is still 18. Besides, a few casinos in Washington require players to be at least 21 years old.

When will online gambling be legal in WA?

The Washington State Gambling Commission is yet to set a date when online gambling will be legal in the state. However, the commission is currently working on regulations for online gambling, and players expect it to release these regulations soon. Once it releases the regulations, online gambling will become legal in Washington within a few months.

Does Washington State allow charitable gambling?

Yes. The Washington State Gambling Commission regulates all gambling in the state, including charitable gambling. Charitable gambling is betting conducted by a nonprofit organization to raise funds for charitable, religious, or educational purposes. Its gambling activities include Bingo, Raffles, and Monte Carlo Events. To be eligible to conduct any gambling, the nonprofit organization must first apply and receive a license from the Gambling Commission. The organization must also follow all the commission’s rules and regulations regarding gambling.