Washington Online Casinos 2024

Real-money online casinos are not legal in Washington, as the state enforces some of the strictest online gambling laws in the US. However, there are still ways to enjoy casino-style gaming through legal alternatives. In this guide, we’ll break down Washington’s gambling laws, share updates on recent developments, and highlight the best legal options for gaming. Let’s dive in!

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Discover the top five sweepstakes casinos available in Washington.
• Learn how to file your taxes properly when you win in Washington.
• Find out about other legal gambling options for WA players.

Best WA Sweepstakes Online Casinos

While traditional online casinos are not authorized in Washington, residents can still play at the best online casino games with sweepstakes sites. These platforms are allowed since they don’t use real money but free virtual coins.

Our comprehensive list of the best sweepstakes casinos USA details all the sites you can play at, and we recommend checking it out. But for now, we gathered the top 5 sweepstakes casinos of 2024 for Washington:

Other Gambling Options for Washington Players

While real-money online casinos are illegal in Washington, residents have several legal gambling options to explore. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:

Gambling Type	Legal Status	Current Situation	Legal Age
Online Casinos	No	Strictly prohibited under Washington law.	—
Land-Based Casinos	Yes	Tribal casinos like Angel of the Winds and Emerald Queen offer slots, table games, and more.	21
Sweepstakes Casinos	Yes	Legal alternative offering casino-style games without real-money gambling.	18
Sports Betting	Yes	Permitted only at tribal casinos, and bets must be placed in person.	21
Lottery	Yes	Includes scratch-offs, draw games like Powerball, and Keno offered by the Washington Lottery.	18
Horse Racing	Yes	Parimutuel betting is legal at licensed racetracks and off-track facilities.	18

History of Gambling in Washington

Washington is one of the US states with a rich gambling history. A lot has happened in the region since the Gold Gold Rush era, when informal gambling activities were common among settlers and miners.

However, the first legal move came in 1889, and you can follow up on the history since then to date below:  

• 1889: Washington state constitution prohibits lotteries. 
• 1933: Washington legalizes pari-mutual betting on horse races and establishes the Washington Horse Racing Commission to regulate the industry.
• 1972: Nonprofit organizations are allowed to conduct bingo and raffles as fundraising activities.
• 1973: The Washington State Gambling Commission is created to regulate gambling activities.
• 1982: Voters approve the establishment of the Washington State Lottery. 
• 1988: The federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA is enacted, leading to the establishment of tribal casinos in Washington.
• 1995: The Muckleshoot Tribe opens the first tribal casino in Washington State.
• 2000: Washington State negotiates compacts with various tribes, allowing casino gaming expansion, including slot machines and other electronic games.
• 2006: The 1973 Washington State Gambling Act is amended to ban internet gambling explicitly. 
• 2020: Washington legalizes sports betting, but only at tribal casinos.
• 2021: Various tribal casinos begin offering sports betting.

Taxable Winnings in Washington: Our Guide

Washington doesn’t have a state income tax, so you only have to pay federal taxes if you win at a casino. You’ll receive Form-W2G from the operator if your winnings exceed a certain amount. Generally, this is:

• $1,200 for slots and bingo
• $5,000 for poker tournaments
• $600 for other games

In Form-W2G, the casino operator will specify your winnings and any taxes withheld. So, you simply fill it out and return it. Afterward, you still need to report all your gambling winnings on your federal income tax return with Form 1040.

Fact: Washington state is one of only nine states in the US without personal income tax. 

What’s Next for Online Casinos in Washington?

Real-money online casinos remain illegal in Washington, with no recent legislative efforts to change this. Current proposals like House Bill 1630 and Senate Bill 5587 focus on expanding online sports betting, but progress has stalled since 2023. Given Washington’s strict gambling laws, including the 2006 amendment criminalizing internet gambling, legalizing online casinos is unlikely in the near future.

For now, Washington residents can legally enjoy sweepstakes casinos or visit the state’s top land-based casinos. Searching for safe options in the country? Explore our list of the US states gambling legislation to stay informed about each state’s stance.

References

1. Washington State Legislature — Retrieved on Dec 02, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions