WA No state-licensed online casinos
Online casinos in Washington
Online casinos in Washington are illegal: the Washington State Gambling Commission says state law prohibits any online gambling, and RCW 9.46.240 makes knowingly sending or receiving gambling information over the internet a class C felony. Sports betting is legal only at authorized tribal casinos. That's why this page carries no casino offers, only the law, the risks and where to find help.
By the Best USA Casinos team. Updated . Facts and offers checked October 28, 2026.
- State-licensed online casinos (7)
- Legalized, not yet live
- Sweepstakes casinos banned
- No state-licensed online casinos
- Online casinosProhibited by state law
- Key statuteRCW 9.46.240 (class C felony)
- RegulatorWashington State Gambling Commission (WSGC)
- Sports bettingAuthorized tribal casinos only, under compacts
- Sweepstakes casinosRestricted under existing law (RCW 9.46.240)
- State helpline800-547-6133
Key takeaways
- Washington licenses no online casinos, and the WSGC says state law prohibits any online gambling.
- RCW 9.46.240 makes knowingly transmitting or receiving gambling information by internet a class C felony, with an exception for activity the gambling chapter authorizes.
- Sports wagering is legal only in person at authorized tribal casinos under tribal-state compacts.
- Many sweepstakes brands list Washington as excluded in their own rules.
- Washington's problem gambling helpline is 800-547-6133; the national line is 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Are online casinos legal in Washington?
No. Washington is among the strictest states in the country on internet gambling. The WSGC's online gambling FAQ (opens in a new tab) states that Washington law prohibits any online gambling, and no online casino holds, or can hold, a Washington license.
Most states that don't license online casinos are simply silent on them, which leaves players in a gray area defined by older gambling laws. Washington isn't silent. Its legislature wrote a specific offense for using the internet to send or receive gambling information, and it classed that offense as a felony.
That puts Washington at the opposite end from the seven states with legal online casinos, where licensed sites operate under a regulator's rules. For the statute-by-statute detail, see our Washington gambling laws page.
| Activity | Status in Washington | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online casino games | Prohibited | RCW 9.46.240 felony |
| Online sports betting (statewide) | Not legal | No mobile statewide sportsbooks |
| Sports wagering at tribal casinos | Legal where authorized | Under tribal-state compacts |
| Tribal casinos | Operate under compacts | Count not published in our sources |
| Sweepstakes casinos | Restricted under existing law | No new sweepstakes statute found |
| Offshore casinos | Not licensed; WSGC enforces against them | Second cease-and-desist to Bovada.lv in 2025 |
RCW 9.46.240: Washington's online gambling felony
RCW 9.46.240 (opens in a new tab) is the statute to know. It makes it a class C felony to knowingly transmit or receive gambling information by telephone, internet or similar means, or to install or maintain equipment for doing so. The penalty is set by RCW 9A.20.021.
Notice the word receive. Many state gambling laws are written for operators, but this one reaches both ends of the transmission. The WSGC's FAQ confirms the felony class. How often individual players have been charged isn't recorded in our sources, so we don't guess; what matters is that the statute's text covers receiving as well as sending.
There is an exception: activity authorized under chapter 9.46, the state's gambling law, isn't caught. That carve-out is what lets tribal sports wagering under compacts operate. No online casino falls under it.
| Element | What the statute says |
|---|---|
| Conduct | Knowingly transmitting or receiving gambling information |
| Means | Telephone, internet or similar means |
| Equipment | Installing or maintaining equipment for that purpose is also covered |
| Classification | Class C felony (penalty under RCW 9A.20.021) |
| Exception | Activity authorized under chapter 9.46, including compact sports wagering |
How the Washington State Gambling Commission enforces the ban
The Washington State Gambling Commission (opens in a new tab) is the state's gambling regulator, and it acts against offshore sites. On September 19, 2025, it issued a second cease-and-desist notice to Bovada.lv (opens in a new tab), a Curaçao-registered site, citing three statutes.
| Statute cited | Where it sits in Washington law |
|---|---|
| RCW 9.46.0237 | Chapter 9.46, the state gambling law |
| RCW 9A.82.045 | Title 9A, the Washington criminal code |
| RCW 9.46.240 | Chapter 9.46: the internet gambling felony described above |
A second notice to the same operator shows two things. The commission is watching offshore brands that market to Washington, and a cease-and-desist letter doesn't always end the problem. Our Bovada review covers that brand's regulator actions in other states, from Michigan to West Virginia. A notice orders an operator to stop; it doesn't return money to anyone who deposited.
Washington isn't alone. Michigan's Gaming Control Board has named several offshore casinos in cease-and-desist actions, including brands we review, which is covered on the Michigan online casinos page.
What gambling is legal in Washington
Legal gambling in Washington centers on tribal casinos operating under tribal-state compacts. Federal law, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, requires a compact between a tribe and the state before casino-style class III games can run; our page on the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act explains the classes and how compacts are approved.
The sources we rely on don't give a count of Washington's tribal casinos, and they don't record the state's lottery products, daily fantasy rules or gambling ages, so we don't state them here. If you need an age, check the venue's own rules or ask the WSGC directly.
IGRA sorts games into three classes. Class I covers social and traditional tribal games, class II covers bingo and certain non-banked card games, and class III covers everything else, including slot machines and house-banked casino games. Only class III needs a compact, which is why the compacts matter so much in Washington.
What the record does show is a single legal channel for sports wagering, covered next, and a firm line against everything online. Compacts authorize gaming at tribal venues; nothing in the sources we checked extends them to internet casino play for people at home.
Washington sports betting: tribal casinos, not phones
Sports wagering is legal in Washington, but only at authorized tribal casinos under compacts. It isn't legal statewide online, so there's no mobile sportsbook a Seattle or Spokane resident can sign up for from home. The launch year isn't recorded in our sources.
The WSGC's Bovada notice is partly about this: offshore sportsbooks taking bets from Washington are exactly what the compact system excludes. Our Washington sports betting page covers the tribal model in more depth.
Why we show no online casino offers for Washington
Every casino we partner with is offshore, and none is licensed by Washington or any US state. Given RCW 9.46.240 and the WSGC's stated position, we don't promote any casino offer on our Washington pages, and the generator shows no offer boxes here.
Two more facts point the same way. Third-party reviews report that Decode Casino refuses players from Washington. And several of our partners have been named by Michigan's regulator: Silver Oak and Planet 7 in releases dated April 9, 2025, Miami Club and Slot Madness on August 14, 2025, and SlotoCash on October 8, 2026.
You can still read our reviews, such as SlotoCash or Silver Oak, for what reviewers report about operators, licenses and payouts. They're research, not an invitation to play from Washington.
We earn commission from partner casinos in other states. In Washington we show no offers and earn nothing from this page.
Offshore real money online casinos and Washington players
Offshore real money casinos still advertise to people in Washington. On top of the legal position, they carry the same practical risks they carry everywhere, and in Washington there's no state route at all to fix a problem.
- No Washington regulator over the casino. The WSGC licenses no online casinos, so it can't resolve a payout dispute with one.
- Licenses that are unclear or contested. Third-party reviewers often disagree about which offshore license, if any, a casino holds; a Curaçao or Anjouan license isn't a US state license.
- Withdrawal caps and delays. Weekly caps of a few thousand dollars and multi-week pending periods are commonly reported at offshore sites.
- Verification at cash-out. Casinos may ask for ID and proof of address before paying.
Payments are a second warning sign. Many US card issuers block gambling transactions coded MCC 7995 as a matter of bank policy, and the federal UIGEA sits behind those blocks. Offshore casinos steer players toward cryptocurrency instead, and crypto payments generally can't be reversed, so a deposit sent to a casino that later refuses to pay is very hard to recover.
Hiding your location, giving false details or borrowing someone else's account breaks casino terms as well as the law, and it can cost you your balance. Our guide to player protections offshore vs licensed sets out what's missing, and how to spot a rogue casino lists the warning signs.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Washington?
Sweepstakes casinos run on two currencies, Gold Coins for play and Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed for cash prizes. In Washington, third-party coverage reports that they are restricted under existing law, RCW 9.46.240, rather than by a new sweepstakes-specific statute, and none was found.
The brands' own rules reflect that. Several list Washington among excluded states:
| Brand | Where the exclusion appears | Source type |
|---|---|---|
| Chumba Casino | Sweeps Rules v18.0 (August 28, 2025) | Primary |
| Stake.us | Restricted-states help page | Primary |
| McLuck | Terms of service v2.6 (October 14, 2026) | Primary |
| High 5 Casino | Sweepstakes rules v44.0 (October 14, 2026) | Primary |
| WOW Vegas | Help page: no registration from Washington | Primary |
| Modo.us | Promo rules (updated October 1, 2026) | Primary |
Our Washington sweepstakes casinos page goes further, and the sweepstakes casino laws explainer covers the national picture.
Federal law on top of Washington's ban
Federal law adds to Washington's rules rather than overriding them. The UIGEA of 2006 bars gambling businesses from accepting cards, electronic transfers and checks for internet gambling that's unlawful where the bet is made. UIGEA's definition turns on the law where the bet is made, so in Washington it points straight back to the state's own ban.
The Wire Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1084, targets people in the business of betting, and the First Circuit held on January 20, 2021 that it covers only sports bets. The Illegal Gambling Business Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1955, makes running a gambling business that breaks state law a federal crime. These laws aim at operators. Washington's own statute is the one that also reaches the receiving end.
Taxes on gambling winnings for Washington residents
Gambling winnings are taxable federal income, whether they come from a tribal casino sportsbook or anywhere else. The IRS's Form W-2G rules set when payers must report.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| W-2G for slots, bingo and keno | Winnings of $2,000 or more (payments made in 2026) |
| W-2G for other wagering, including sports | Winnings meeting the threshold and at least 300 times the wager |
| 24% withholding | On certain winnings where winnings minus the wager exceed $5,000; not on slots, bingo or keno |
| Losses | Deductible only up to winnings; reportedly 90% of losses from tax year 2026 (check IRS guidance) |
Under the reported 90% rule, $3,000 of winnings and $3,000 of losses would leave $300 of taxable gambling income. Our gambling taxes page explains the details, including what a W-2G shows and when you should expect one.
Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma: steps if you have an offshore account
Residents of Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma, Washington's three largest cities, see the same offshore ads as everyone else. If you already hold an offshore casino account, these steps help you step away cleanly.
- Stop depositing. Don't add money to chase a balance or a bonus.
- Read the casino's withdrawal terms, including caps, minimums and verification rules, so you know what to expect.
- Request your remaining balance under those terms and keep copies of every message and transaction.
- Close the account and ask the casino to self-exclude you, in writing.
- Install blocking software such as Gamban or BetBlocker on your phone and computer.
- Keep records of wins and losses for your federal tax return.
- If gambling has caused stress or debt, call 800-547-6133 or 1-800-MY-RESET.
Our guide on closing a casino account covers the process, and the gambling blocking software page compares tools.
Problem gambling help in Washington
Washington's State Problem Gambling Program, through the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling helpline, answers at 800-547-6133. The Health Care Authority's problem gambling page (opens in a new tab) explains the state program, and the WSGC's resources page (opens in a new tab) lists support for people with gambling disorders.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline, run by NCPG, is 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), by call or text, with chat online; NCPG's help and treatment page (opens in a new tab) lists every option. It's free, confidential and open 24/7, though NCPG notes it isn't a crisis line: in a crisis, call 911 or 988.
Peer support helps many people. Gamblers Anonymous runs in-person and online meetings, and our responsible gambling hub explains deposit limits, self-exclusion and cool-offs.
More guides on online casinos in Washington
Each Washington sub-page explains one topic through the lens of the state's ban. None carries offers.
- Real money online casinos in Washington: why none is legal here.
- Washington online casino bonuses: how bonus terms work, and why we show none here.
- No deposit bonuses in Washington: what free chips really involve.
- Online slots in Washington: RTP, volatility and the legal position.
- Crypto casinos in Washington: crypto doesn't change the law.
- Mobile casinos in Washington: apps, browsers and RCW 9.46.240.
- Fast payout casinos in Washington: payout claims versus the legal risk.
For a short answer to the most common question, read can I play online casinos in Washington. For other states, start at our online casinos by state hub; neighboring Oregon takes a different approach, with state-run sports betting.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
Are online casinos legal in Washington State?
No, online casinos are illegal in Washington. The Washington State Gambling Commission says state law prohibits any online gambling, and RCW 9.46.240 makes knowingly transmitting or receiving gambling information over the internet a class C felony. No online casino holds a Washington license, and the only legal sports wagering happens at authorized tribal casinos. For more on the statutes, see our Washington gambling laws page.
Is playing online casino games a felony in Washington?
RCW 9.46.240 classes the offense as a class C felony, and its text covers receiving gambling information as well as sending it. The WSGC confirms the felony class. How often individual players have been charged isn't recorded in the sources we checked, so we can't say how the law is applied to players in practice. The safest course is not to play. Our page on offshore casinos legality explains how state laws differ.
Can I bet on sports online in Washington?
No, not statewide online. Sports wagering is legal in Washington only at authorized tribal casinos under tribal-state compacts, which RCW 9.46.240's exception for activity authorized under chapter 9.46 allows. Offshore sportsbooks taking bets from Washington are outside that system; the WSGC sent Bovada.lv a second cease-and-desist on September 19, 2025. See Washington sports betting for how the tribal model works and where it stands.
Why doesn't this site show casino offers in Washington?
We show no offers here because Washington law prohibits online gambling and all our partner casinos are offshore, unlicensed by any US state. Third-party reviews also report that Decode refuses Washington players, and Michigan's regulator has named several partners in cease-and-desist actions. You can still read our reviews, such as the Decode Casino review, as research. The player protections guide explains what offshore play lacks.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Washington?
Sweepstakes casinos are restricted in Washington under existing law, RCW 9.46.240, according to third-party coverage, though no new sweepstakes-specific statute was found. In line with that, brands including Chumba Casino, Stake.us, McLuck, High 5 Casino, WOW Vegas and Modo.us list Washington as excluded in their own rules or help pages. Our Washington sweepstakes casinos page has the detail, and sweepstakes casino bans tracks other states.
What does the Washington State Gambling Commission do about offshore casinos?
The WSGC treats offshore gambling sites as illegal and issues cease-and-desist notices. Its second notice to Bovada.lv, a Curaçao-registered site, came on September 19, 2025, citing RCW 9.46.0237, RCW 9A.82.045 and RCW 9.46.240. A notice tells the operator to stop serving Washington, but it can't resolve disputes for players who deposited. Our guide to cease-and-desist letters explains what these actions mean.
Do I owe tax on gambling winnings in Washington?
Yes, gambling winnings are taxable federal income for Washington residents, including sports winnings at tribal casinos. For payments made in 2026, slot, bingo and keno wins of $2,000 or more trigger a W-2G. Losses are deductible only up to winnings and, from tax year 2026, reportedly only at 90%, so check IRS guidance. Keep records either way. The gambling taxes page explains how reporting works.
Where can I get gambling help in Washington?
Call Washington's problem gambling helpline at 800-547-6133, run through the State Problem Gambling Program and the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling, or the national helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), by call or text. Both are confidential. Gamblers Anonymous meetings and blocking software such as Gamban add support. Our state problem gambling programs page lists help in every state.
Is there a legal sports betting app in Washington?
No, Washington has no legal statewide mobile sportsbook, so no betting app works from home. Sports wagering is legal only in person at authorized tribal casinos operating under tribal-state compacts, which RCW 9.46.240's exception for activity authorized under chapter 9.46 allows. That's why a resident of Seattle or Spokane can place a legal sports bet only at a tribal venue. Offshore sportsbooks that accept Washington bets fall outside the compact system, and the WSGC sent Bovada.lv a second cease-and-desist notice on September 19, 2025. See Washington sports betting and our national sports betting laws overview.
Is online poker legal in Washington?
No, online poker for real money isn't legal in Washington. The Washington State Gambling Commission says state law prohibits any online gambling, which covers internet poker as well as casino games, and RCW 9.46.240 makes knowingly transmitting or receiving gambling information over the internet a class C felony. Offshore poker rooms hold no Washington license, and the statute's text covers receiving as well as sending. Legal gambling in the state centers on tribal casinos operating under tribal-state compacts. Our online poker laws page compares states, and Washington gambling laws covers the statute in detail.
Does a Curaçao license make an online casino legal in Washington?
No, a Curaçao or Anjouan license isn't a US state license, and it doesn't change what Washington law says. The WSGC states that Washington law prohibits any online gambling, and no online casino holds or can hold a Washington license. The commission's September 19, 2025 cease-and-desist notice went to Bovada.lv, a Curaçao-registered site, citing RCW 9.46.0237, RCW 9A.82.045 and RCW 9.46.240. Third-party reviewers also often disagree about which offshore license, if any, a casino holds. Read our Curaçao license explainer and how to spot a rogue casino.
Does using Bitcoin change the law on online casinos in Washington?
No, paying with Bitcoin doesn't change anything under Washington law, because RCW 9.46.240 is about transmitting or receiving gambling information by telephone, internet or similar means, whatever the payment method. Offshore casinos steer players toward crypto partly because many US card issuers block gambling code MCC 7995 and UIGEA restricts gambling payments. Crypto also adds a practical risk: payments generally can't be reversed, so a deposit sent to a casino that later refuses to pay is very hard to recover. Read crypto casinos in Washington and is Bitcoin safe for casinos.
Can I play online casino games on my phone in Washington?
No, playing real-money online casino games on a phone is prohibited in Washington, the same as on a computer. RCW 9.46.240 names telephone, internet or similar means, so the device you use doesn't matter, and the WSGC says state law prohibits any online gambling. No casino app or mobile site is licensed in Washington, and many sweepstakes brands, including Chumba Casino, McLuck and WOW Vegas, list Washington as excluded. Blocking software on your phone can help if ads or habits are a problem. See mobile casinos in Washington and our gambling blocking software guide.
How do I get my money out of an offshore casino if I live in Washington?
Request your remaining balance under the casino's own withdrawal terms, then close the account; no Washington agency can recover it for you. Start by reading the caps, minimums and verification rules, because offshore sites commonly ask for ID and proof of address before paying and report weekly caps of a few thousand dollars. Keep copies of every message and transaction, and stop depositing while you wait. Once paid, ask the casino in writing to close the account and self-exclude you. The WSGC's notices order operators to stop but don't return deposits. Our guides on closing a casino account and casino withdrawal delays help.