Last updated on: March 16th, 2023
Legal Washington Sports Betting
Using a legal Washington sports betting site is only one of the ways to bet on sports. Washington State also has in-person sports betting at tribal casinos. Though 28 casinos are in Washington, only nine have sportsbooks. The Snoqualmie Tribe was the first to launch sports betting in Washington, at the Snoqualmie Casino. Without legal sports betting apps in Washington, betting online comes in the form of online sportsbooks. Using Bovada is legal in Washington, and offers an easier way to bet sports. Review this legal Washington sports betting page to learn about every WA sportsbook. We also cover Washington’s sports betting history, sportsbook bonuses, and more.
- Online sportsbooks accepting Washington bettors is the only way to bet on sports state-wide.
- Some casinos offer a sports betting app, but it limits players to bet only on casino grounds.
- Washington approved sports betting laws in March 2020 with the passing of WA HB 2638.
Washington March Madness Sportsbooks
Washington offers very solid sports betting options for March Madness – or should we say, it contains them. Washington’s own sports betting options pale in comparison to the international sportsbooks that offer March Madness betting in much greater quantities and with much greater variety. The international books even offer online sports betting on March Madness via phones and other mobile devices, as well as no restrictions on player props or any kind of wagering restrictions at all.
Rank | Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Play Now |
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1 | ![]() |
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5 | ![]() |
50% Up To $1,000 Read Review | Visit SportsBetting! |
Is It Legal To Use Bovada In Washington?
It is legal to use Bovada in Washington, and this usage allows bettors in WA to access the best lines for all of their favorite teams. Bovada also provides mobile and live betting. Bovada is located offshore, which means it is not restricted by Washington’s laws, but you can access it and legally bet on it in Washington because of how those laws are written. You will not get in trouble for betting on sports using Bovada in Washington unless you do so underage or do not declare your winnings on your taxes.
Washington has an okay selection of sportsbooks but none compare to Bovada. This legal Washington sportsbook offers odds on the Seahawks, Mariners, and more. Aside from local teams, Bovada also permits players to deposit with cryptos. This makes betting on sports in Washington extremely easy. We recommend using Bovada in Washington to shop lines on local teams and take advantage of bonuses. They offer more bets than any Washington sportsbook, making them the go-to sportsbook in Washington.
- Legal option in Washington
- Mobile friendly
- Bonus for new members
- Regulated & secure
- 24/7 customer service
BetOnline is an excellent online sportsbook for anyone looking to wager on both sporting events and pop culture happenings. You can bet on nearly anything at BetOnline, and when you do, you can be sure you’re getting sharp lines at a sportsbook that is forward-thinking – BetOnline was an early adopter of cryptocurrency.
- Lifetime bonus guarantees
- Endless amounts of bets
- Mobile sportsbook access
- Legal & licensed
- Live in-game wagers
MyBookie is a great online sportsbook for WA players due to the sheer amount of odds and lines you can find when you’re looking through their website. They might have the most bets available, and if they don’t, they surely have the weirdest ones. When you’re looking to make sports betting fun again, check out MyBookie.
- Huge Player Bonuses
- Consistent Odds
- Easy Interface
- Rapid Live Betting
- Legal In Washington
SportsBetting is an outstanding online sportsbook for anyone in Washington to use because of their extremely sharp lines. They don’t have the presentation of some other sportsbooks, but their no-nonsense oddsmakers are some of the best in the game. Everyone needs a line-shopping book, and SportsBetting is that book for WA players.
- Efficient Site Layout
- Full Mobile Betting Suite
- Available Customer Service
- Trustworthy Banking Options
- Fast Payout Times
XBet is a great sportsbook for bettors in Washington to take advantage of, since their only sportsbook options other than offshore books are retail-based. Every offshore book is going to be better than a comparable retail option, as they offer mobile and live betting, and retail books tend to avoid that.
- Worry-free Legal Betting
- Exclusive Bonus Offers
- Constantly Updated Odds
- Premier User Experience
- Full Mobile + Live Betting
Washington Sports Betting And Gambling Laws
After passing WA HB 2638, this made sports betting regulated in Washington. Governor Jay Inslee and the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC) went through 15 sports betting compacts to ensure tribal gaming facilities are where sports betting would be held. Washington is one of the few states that hold laws against betting on sports online. In fact, the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) in Chapter 9.46 Section 0368 states “The transmission of gambling information over the internet for any sports wagering…is authorized, provided that the wager may be placed and accepted at a tribe’s gaming facility only while the customer placing the wager is physically present on the premises of that tribe’s gaming facility.” With this, we recommend following the gambling laws of Washington and betting at your own risk. While the Gambling Act of 1973 authorizes 100-square sports pool board, there are many ways to win real money betting in Washington.
What Is the Sports Betting Age In Washington?
Washington is one of the few states that helps younger bettors out. With a legal sports betting age of 18, becoming an adult means being able to bet at Washington sportsbooks. The same age requirement is for online sportsbooks that take WA players. No matter which method you choose, just make sure you are 18+ before betting.
What Washington Sports Teams Can I Bet On?
Washington is filled with sports teams to bet on. Aside from the known professional ones, betting on Washington colleges and minor league teams is possible too. Legal Washington sportsbooks will not accept bets on local colleges. But, bettors can bypass this by using an online sportsbook that accepts Washington players. This helps in getting the full experience, Keep in mind, legal sportsbooks in Washington will offer odds on teams from around the world.
List Of Popular Washington Teams
Seattle Mariners – MLB | Seattle Seahawks – NFL | Seattle Sounders FC – MLS | Seattle Kraken – NHL |
Eastern Washington Eagles – NCAA(D1) | Gonzaga Bulldogs – NCAA(D1) | Seattle Redhawks – NCAA(D1) | Washington Huskies – NCAA(D1) |
Washington State Cougars – NCAA(D1) | Central Washington Wildcats – NCAA(D2) | Saint Martin’s Saints – NCAA(D2) | Seattle Pacific Falcons – NCAA(D2) |
Western Washington Vikings – NCAA(D2) | Pacific Lutheran Lutes – NCAA(D3) | Puget Sound Loggers – NCAA(D3) | Whitman Blues – NCAA(D3) |
Whitworth Pirates – NCAA(D3) |
Betting On The NFL In Washington
The best odds for betting on the Seattle Seahawks are available at the tribal casinos this NFL season. Statewide mobile and online betting are available at online sportsbooks as well, these sites offer some of the best odds. Betting fans can find futures odds on the Seattle Seahawks to win the Super Bowl – although they’re much longer without Russell Wilson. There are also odds available for Seattle’s total passing yards and passing TDs. There is no shortage of betting action for local Washington betting fans thanks to these legal online sportsbooks. Now is the best time to get in on these NFL betting lines via online sportsbooks.
Super Bowl Betting In Washington
The Super Bowl is the biggest betting event of the year for anyone wagering on sports in Washington,and the best place to bet on it is via online sportsbooks. These books, such as Bovada, are available via both mobile devices and computers, and this widespread availability makes them a top Super Bowl betting option. You’ll be able to place wagers on every aspect of the Super Bowl, from irreverent props on the Halftime Show to the most specific player yardage O/Us.
Seattle Seahawks Betting In Washington
The Seattle Seahawks were one of the most successful franchises in the past decade, going 114-62-1 over that time, but appear to be going through a rebuild following the trade of Russell Wilson and the release of franchise stalwart Bobby Wagner. The new generation of Seattle Seahawks may be poised to lead bettors to plenty of success though, with DK Metcalf, Kenneth Walker, and Charles Cross all poised for success over the coming years. Betting on the Seahawks can be done at legal NFL sportsbooks such as Bovada, BetOnline, and SportsBetting, all of which are known for offering a wide assortment of bets on the Seahawks.
Horse Racing Betting In Washington
Washington’s horse racing industry isn’t as well-developed as some other states with a mature gambling industry, with the Evergreen State having only two tracks: Emerald Downs and Sun Downs, both located in the city of Auburn. You’ll only be able to engage in any live wagering on horse racing at those two tracks, but there are a dozen authorized off-track betting facilities at different gambling facilities around the state. Horse racing betting in Washington is overseen by the state’s dedicated Horse Racing Commission, and the Commission’s website lists the locations of all these pari-mutuel off-site betting sites. Our recommended legal Washington sports betting sites also offer the option to bet on horse racing.
Daily Fantasy Sports In Washington
The Evergreen State has fairly permissive social gambling laws, all things considered, but state laws definitely crack down hard on daily fantasy sports (DFS). Seriously, playing daily fantasy sports in Washington is a no-go, and that’s because the state is the only one in the entire US that absolutely, unequivocally puts the kibosh on DFS to the extent that it does. The state’s attorney general’s office has gone so far as to arrest, charge, and prosecute an individual running a NASCAR fantasy sports operator back in 2011.
The Washington State Gambling Commission issued a statement back in ’11 after David Watkins (the owner and operator of the Fantasy Thunder site) was arrested that basically asserts that DFS is a game of chance and is thusly prohibited under state law, according to RCW 9.46.0225. This flies in the face of the federal UIGEA, which classifies DFS as a game of skill, even though players are eligible to win monetary rewards and there is certainly cross-shopping between fantasy contests and sports betting. A bill to legalize DFS in Washington was put forward during the 2015 legislative session but it wasn’t passed, despite some earnest interest from the state’s Gaming Commission.
Washington Sports Betting Timeline
- Dec 21, 2021 – Tacoma’s newest sportsbook, the Emerald Queen, is open for business.
- Sep 8, 2021 – The Snoqualmie Casino launched its Snoqualmie Sportsbook, allowing WA bettors to wager on the NFL.
- Jun 11, 2021 – Washington has approved the sports betting compacts allowing sports betting to be offered at tribal casinos.
- May 12, 2021 – Sportsbook-related tribal compacts have been approved by Gov. Jay Inslee with the Kalispel Tribe.
- Apr 19, 2021 – The state of Washington and the Tulalip Tribe have come to an agreement regarding sports betting.
- Feb 5, 2021 – A new bill for Washington commercial sports betting has received its first reading, although the Governor seems set on tribal sports betting.
- Dec 21, 2020 – Some in Washington expect sports betting to be fully launched by spring of 2021.
- Aug 17, 2020 – Dave Trujillo, Director of the Washington State Gambling Commission, tells LSB that “I think 2021 is a fair assessment, granted it’s probably not going to be early 2021 but I think 2021 is fair to say.”
- Jul 7, 2020 – The Suquamish Tribe in Washington has applied for a sports betting license, the first tribe to do so.
- Mar 26, 2020 – Gov. Jay Inslee signs WA HB 2638, authorizing tribal sports betting in Washington.
- Mar 6, 2020 – WA HB 2638, which approves tribal sports betting in Washington, passes the Senate 34-15.
- Feb 14, 2020 – WA HB 2638, an initiative to approve sports betting via tribal compact re-negotiations, passes the House 83-14.
- Jan 31, 2020 – There are plans in the 2020 legislative session to regulate sports betting in Washington.
Economic Impacts Of Sports Betting In Washington
Washington State University reviewed several possible scenarios for what sports betting in WA could look like. They also do analysis for what potential revenue and economic impacts could be in WA under each scenario. This is a method of measuring the total economic benefit to the state, not just the revenue, but the jobs created.
- Retail sports betting at tribal casinos. No online betting. Projected economic impact of $93.8 million.
- Retail sports betting at tribal casinos. Online via apps after in-person registration. Projected economic impact of $192 million.
- Retail sports betting at tribal casinos. Online via apps after remote registration. Projected economic impact of $322 million.
Currently, Washington is in scenario 1. A move to scenario 2 could double the economic impact of sports betting, and a move to scenario 3 would more than triple it.
Washington State Gambling Restrictions
The only gambling restrictions at Washington sportsbooks is on college sports betting. By law, no sportsbooks in Washington can accept wagers on teams located in Washington. The same does not apply for legal sportsbooks like Bovada. Because they follow licensing requirements external to the Washington State Gambling Commission, this requirement does not apply to them. This makes Bovada the best place to bet on college sports in Washington. Otherwise, Washington is rather open with their betting standards.
Neighboring States With Sports Betting
Only bordering two states, only Oregon has sportsbooks to offer Washington locals. Keep in mind that this is still a trek to bet on sports. For those in Vancouver, going to the Chinook Winds Casino Resort takes about two hours. The Mill Casino Hotel takes about four hours. The closest Oregon sportsbook to Washington is the Spirit Mountain Casino, which is still over an hour from Vancouver. As for Idaho, they have shown no desire to regulate sports betting within their borders. Montana and Nevada are the two next closest states with sports betting.
Can I Bet Real Money On Sports In Washington?
You can bet real money on sports in Washington, but more importantly, you can win real money – but only if you’re good at picking winners, of course. There are no land-based locations to bet real money yet, but global online sportsbooks are fair game. You can deposit with these sites using cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or traditional debit/credit cards. Unfortunately, you can’t withdraw money directly onto a payment card. This is a result of the prohibitions placed on financial institutions that keep them from processing transactions related to online gambling.
Mobile Sports Betting In Washington
Mobile sports betting in Washington isn’t as awesome at is sounds. Washington is similar to Montana and Mississippi in that they only allow online bets when at the casino. This means using Snoqualmie Casino Sportsbook mobile app – the only sportsbook app in Washington State – requires you to be on premise. Kind of defeats the purpose of betting online. Still, bettors can use online sportsbooks like Bovada in Washington to bet online from anywhere in the state. For those looking to bet with Snoqualmie Casino’s app, keep these notes in mind.
- Funding and withdrawing money with the Snoqualmie sportsbook app is done with cash only.
- You must first activate your account at the Snoqualmie Casino Box Office (open 10am – 6pm, Thursday through Sunday).
- Activation requires a photo ID, a Crescent Club membership card, a filled out W-9 and acceptance of their terms.
- Accounts that are inactive for one year will be shut down. Any remaining balance is snail-mailed to the bettor’s address.
Active Sportsbooks In Washington State
Casino/Sportsbook: | City: |
---|---|
Angel Of The Winds Casino Resort | Arlington, WA |
Chewelah Casino | Chewelah, WA |
Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino | Tacoma, WA |
Little Creek Casino and Resort | Shelton, WA |
Muckleshoot Casino Resort | Auburn, WA |
Northern Quest Resort & Casino | Airway Heights, WA |
Snoqualmie Casino | Snoqualmie, WA |
Spokane Tribe Casino | Airway Heights, WA |
Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort | Suquamish, WA |
Swinomish Casino & Lodge | Anacortes, WA |
Washington Retail Sportsbooks
Angel Of The Winds Casino Resort:
Touted as “The Book”, Angel Of The Winds Casino is a place to bet on sports in Arlington. Offering sports betting kiosks, players can also find off-track horse racing betting odds. The Book is great for first timers, as the first bet you place in on them! Just visit the promo kiosk to redeem this benefit.
Chewelah Casino:
Partnered with Caesars, Chewelah Casino holds an interesting sportsbook promotion. Non-winning tickets get drawn from the Sun Club barrel monthly. If your losing ticket is picked, you win a cash prize of $250. The sportsbook at Chewelah Casino opened just in time to take bets on the 2023 Super Bowl.
Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino:
Emerald Queen is likely the next legal Washington sportsbook to launch a mobile app. In their partnership with BetMGM, Emerald Queen is advancing the sports betting game. Be sure to get the EQC Players Club card. This allows you to review your placed sports bets similar to how a casino’s player card works.
Little Creek Casino and Resort:
One cannot miss the Little Creek Casino Sportsbook. Located on the casino floor, just look for the 82″ inch TV screens, luxury seating, and a 20’x10′ sports video wall. Working with IGT, the Little Creek Casino Sportsbook offers many promotions to bettors. Recently, they gave baseball ticket giveaways as well as $500 per week during the NFL season.
Muckleshoot Casino Resort:
Caesars Sportsbook at Muckleshoot is in a league of its own. With 20 big screens and a live sports betting ticker, it’s hard to miss a bet. They also feature a bar menu and breakfast specials on the weekend. Keep in mind, though that this smoke-free establishment requires bettors to be 21.
Northern Quest Resort & Casino:
The Turf Club Sports Book at Northern Quest Casino is quite the book. Find seating easily at this Washington sportsbook, which is open at 7 a.m. on the weekends. They do close somewhat early (10 p.m. daily) but have excellent amenities like a Top Golf Swing Suite. After placing a bet, check out the EPIC Sports Bar to socialize with other bettors.
Snoqualmie Casino:
With 12 sports betting kiosks at Snoqualmie Casino, getting a bet in is rather easy. There is also a betting window, open until 11 p.m. every night. Snoqualmie Casino has a leg up on the other legal Washington sportsbooks with their mobile betting app. However, this can only be used on casino grounds, but still offers the ability to live bet.
Spokane Tribe Casino:
Located in Airway Heights, the Caesars Sportsbook inside Spokane Tribe Casino helps bad bettors. Every Sunday at noon, losing bets get selected from the second chance barrel. With this, it makes winning a bet much easier whether betting at a kiosk or window. Open at 11 a.m. every day, the Spoake Tribe Casino sportsbook closes at 10 p.m.
Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort:
FanDuel brings the action at their sportsbook in the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort. Starting at 8 a.m. on the weekends, this FanDuel sportsbook has 12 betting kioks and three ticket taking windows. A 32’x9′ HD video wall lets you see over 17 games happening in real time. Seating for 250+ bettors can also be found at the Beach Rock Music and Sports Lounge.
Where’s The Closest Sportsbook From Seattle?
There are many casinos in Washington that allow for betting. But, most of them are still stuck on casino gambling only. Still, there are nine active sportsbooks in Washington. There are three sportsbooks near Seattle within driving distance. Also, some sportsbooks are about an hour from downtown Seattle. The rest can be well over a few hours of driving.
- The closest sportsbook to Seattle is the Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino. This is about 30 minutes due south on Interstate 5.
- Similarly, the Muckleshoot Casino Resort is about the same distance. Go south on I-5 but get off at Exit 142-A and head east toward Auburn.
- Those looking for another sportsbooks close to Seattle should try Snoqualmie Casino. Head east on I-90 for about 25 miles and take exit 27.
- The Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort is about an hour from Seattle. But, this requires taking the Seattle – Bainbridge Ferry to Bainbridge Island.
- Bettors can also take I-5 north to Angel Of The Winds Casino Resort. This trip is just under an hour depending on where in Seattle you live.
Taxes On Sports Betting In Washington
You are required to report your gambling winnings when filing your taxes if they exceed the income reporting threshold. It is highly recommended that you follow the law when filing your taxes on sports betting. Washington does not have a specific tax carveout for gambling, but you will be taxed on your winnings at a rate of 25%. This applies whether you have used a Washington sportsbook or a sportsbook located outside of the state.
Washington Sports Betting Bonuses
Online Sportsbook Bonuses For WA Sportsbooks
Sportsbook: | Bonus: | Percent Bonus: | Min Deposit: | Max Bonus: |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bovada | Bitcoin Welcome Bonus | 75% | $20 | $750 |
BetOnline | Sports Welcome Bonus | 50% | $55.00 | $1,000 |
MyBookie | First Deposit Bonus | 100% | 50 | 1000 |
BetUS | 200% Crypto Sign Up Bonus | 150% Sports + 50% Casino | $100.00 | $2,500 |
SportsBetting | Sports Welcome Bonus | 50% | $55.00 | $1,000 |
Legal Washington Sports Betting FAQs
Is Online Sports Betting Safe In Washington?
Online sports betting in Washington comes two fold. Bettors can find a safe way to bet online in Washington by using online sportsbooks. Because state-wide mobile betting isn’t available, this is the only way to bet online legally. Sports betting apps in Washington geolocate your position when betting. This makes it that you can only bet with a certain app whenever you are physically at that casino. Instead, look for a legal sportsbook in Washington like Bovada to place your mobile bets safely.
Will Sports Betting In Washington Ever Be Legal?
Sports betting became legal in Washington in just before the 2021 NFL season. Players can choose to use a retail sportsbook, a casino-tied betting app, or an online sportsbook.
Should I Use A Local Bookie In Washington?
It is not advisable to use a local bookie in the state. The reason being, sports betting on its own is illegal, making the business that the bookie is offering illegal as well. Placing wagers with someone that is running an illegal operation is not the smartest decision. They could take your money without honoring the wager and there is no recourse for it as you participated knowingly. It is best to stick to offshore internet sportsbooks. While they remain a gray area based on legalities, they are licensed and regulated to operate and will never stiff you on potential winnings.
Do Any Casinos In Washington Have Sports Betting?
Yes, there are a few Washington State sports betting locations ranging in location. A few are close to Seattle and Tacoma while others are there for bettors in Eastern Washington. Expect more casinos in Washington to have sportsbooks in the feature. The industry is just over a year old.
Can I Bet On Sports With My Friends In Washington?
Yes, you can bet on sports with your friends either by making bets with them individually or by using online mobile sports betting sites together. The law does not expressly prohibit or permit these actions, but nobody has ever been arrested in Washington for betting on sports with their friends. Betting on sports in a pool using the “square” method is also allowed, according to RCW 9.46.0335. The square method is that method of sports betting wherein a board is divided up into 100 equal squares, each constituting a chance to win in the sports pool and each person in the pool pays an entry of $1 or less. Social card games for money are also allowed explicitly, per RCW 9.46.0351.
How Many Sportsbooks Are In Washington State?
With nine sportsbooks in Washington, there can be up to 29 moving forward. With 29 tribal casinos in Washington, each has the ability to open a legal Washington sportsbook. Still, licensing and regulatory requirements will have these Washington sportsbooks opening throught the next few years.