Read through the next few sections to get a clearer picture of the legal situation for each type of gaming.Ĭurrently, almost all sports betting is illegal in the state of Washington.
With this in mind, it is really best to make sure that you fully understand all of the Washington gambling laws before you plan a gambling session, whether online or at a land-based establishment. Gambling online is strictly prohibited in the state of Washington, which is the only state to categorize such offences as felonies. It also does not apply to lotteries, and the state has enjoyed an official lottery since the early 1980s. However, it expressly does not include fishing derbies, pari-mutuel betting or handicapping contests. This broad definition covers a lot of different forms of gaming, so it easy to restrict various forms of gaming. The State legislature defines gambling as “staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the person’s control or influence”. Currently, there are only a few ways that you can legally place bets in WA. Washington State generally has strict views and restrictions on gambling.