Note : this page is dedicated to Washington State, not Washington DC.
Washington’s legislative branches voiced their official support for sports betting in March 2022 by passing HB 2638. The bill legalized sports betting in the Evergreen State, which became the 21st state in the USA to join the legalization wave. However, there are plenty of restrictions, starting with the absence of statewide mobile betting. Another crucial aspect is that players can bet only on tribal casino property.
Washington Sports Betting
The challenging rules were not a barrier for industry heavyweights. Reputable sportsbooks such as DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, and BetMGM, entered the market through partnerships with tribal casinos. They hoped to harness the potential of the active sports scene with an epicenter in Seattle – the city that hosts teams competing in the NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS.
Currently, players can access sportsbook apps at tribal casinos and bet with fair odds with generous bonuses.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in WA?
In 2020, Washington became the country’s first state to legalize sports betting. The move was widely seen as a way to generate additional revenue for the state and has already proven successful.
In the first six months of operation, the state’s seven retail sportsbooks generated nearly $200 million (the total amount of money on sporting events).
While there are currently seven retail sportsbooks available to the public in Washington, all of them are located in tribal casinos. This means that, for many residents, accessing a sportsbook can be quite difficult.
However, this will likely change shortly, as several private companies have expressed interest in opening their online Washington sportsbooks in the state.
It is worth noting that online sports betting is currently not legal in Washington. However, given the success of the retail sportsbooks, it is likely only a matter of time before this changes. In the meantime, residents can still enjoy plenty of other forms of gambling, such as casino games and horse racing.
What Sports Can You Bet in Washington
With the recent advent of legalized Washington state sports betting, various options are available for those looking to bet on their favorite team.
While the list of available sports may vary depending on the bookmaker, most will offer bets on the major professional leagues such as the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL.
In addition, many bookmakers will also offer to bet on college sports, golf, tennis, and auto racing. There are also horse and dog racing tracks in Washington and jai alai games.
With so many options available, it is important to research before placing a bet to ensure that you are getting the best possible odds. With careful planning, you can ensure that your Washington sports betting experience is worth it.
Who Regulates Gambling in Washington?
The Washington State Gambling Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating all forms of gambling in the state of Washington. This includes casinos, sports betting, and horse racing. To obtain a license to offer sports betting, casinos must go through the WSGC, which includes a Tribal Gaming Unit.
Legally, tribal casinos could release a mobile app allowing gamblers to use their phones to place wagers while on tribal land to allow Washington Sports Betting.
However, nothing in the law permits mobile sports betting on a state-wide scale. Each tribe determines its protocol for mobile app gambling.
In the state of Washington, the legal age to gamble is 18. This does not apply to casinos, sportsbooks, horse races, or card rooms. Tribal casinos have a strict age limit of 21 because of the presence of alcoholic beverages.
Legal Online Sportsbooks in Washington
The state of Washington offers many options for legal sports betting. In addition to placing wagers at any of the 16 licensed tribal casinos, gamblers can also place bets online while physically present at the casinos.
For those interested in online Washington sports betting, the following sites have been identified as potential future Washington Online Sportsbook.
Tribes approved for sports betting include:
- Swinomish Tribal Community
- Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe
- Skokomish Indian Tribe
- Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
- Suquamish Tribe
- Puyallup Tribe of Indians
- Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians
- Kalispel Tribe
- Tulalip Tribes of Washington
- Snoqualmie Indian Tribe
- Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
- Spokane Tribe
- Cowlitz Indian Tribe
- Lummi Nation
- Squaxin Indian Tribe
- Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe
Here are the sportsbooks through which bettors can wager online.
BetMGM
BetMGM Sportsbook is a fan favorite across the country, and it currently runs the retail book at Tacoma’s Emerald Queen Casino. BetMGM boasts an extensive selection of betting options and is often referred to as “the king of sportsbooks” for a good reason.
Some of the most popular betting options available through BetMGM Washington include point spreads, money lines, parlays, props, and futures.
The BetMGM Sportsbook app is scheduled to be released on the Emerald Queen property shortly. This will allow guests to place bets on their favorite sports teams from the comfort of their own homes.
Caesars
Caesars Sportsbook is one of the largest sports betting operators in the United States. Following the acquisition of William Hill’s sportsbook operations, Caesars Sportsbook has seen a significant increase in its national profile.
Advertisements for Caesars Sportsbook’s services and bonuses have most likely appeared during game broadcasts you’ve watched.
In Washington state, Caesars Sportsbook operates retail sportsbooks at Spokane Tribe Casino in Airway Heights and Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn. These sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting options on all major sporting events.
Caesars Sportsbook is an excellent option if you’re looking for a safe and secure way to bet on sports. With its nationwide presence and focus on customer satisfaction, Caesars Sportsbook is a top choice for Washington sports bettors.
DraftKings
Washington is one of the many states where sports betting is legal, so DraftKings Sportsbook is available. Two Tulalip casinos – the Tulalip Resort Casino and the Quil Ceda Creek Casino – already have retail DraftKings Sportsbooks onsite for their customers.
It’s not yet clear if those same casinos will offer online betting through DraftKings, but what is certain is that no one from Washington can participate in contests on the DraftKings daily fantasy sports site.
That’s because betting on daily fantasy sports is illegal in the state. So, for now, Washington residents will have to content themselves with enjoying the other legal forms of sports betting that are available to them.
FanDuel
Washington is already home to several well-known sportsbooks, including FanDuel Sportsbook. The retail sportsbook at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort is operated under the FanDuel brand, where bets on a wide range of sporting events can be placed.
While many wagering options are available on FanDuel, same-day parlays have quickly become a customer favorite.
FanDuel DFS is not available to players in Washington State, and there is currently no online FanDuel Sportsbook available in the state of Washington. However, the company has plans to launch an online sports betting platform shortly.
In the meantime, Washington residents can still place bets at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort or any other licensed sportsbooks in the state. So if you want to get in on the action, check out FanDuel Sportsbook today!
Which are the legal online sports betting apps in Washington?
Online sports betting is technically non-existent in Washington. However, punters who visit the tribal casinos have the chance to place online bets via the mobile gadgets installed in the casino premises. The following are the sportsbooks apps that players can access using the tribal casino platforms:
Caesars
Caesars arrived in the Evergreen State in February 2022 and made its sportsbook app available at the Spokane Tribe Casino, Muckleshoot Casino, and Chewelah Casino. Players can wager on every professional team from the state and claim a risk-free bet of up to $1,500.
BetMGM
The Emerald Queen casinos in Tacoma and Fife are official partners of BetMGM. Bettors can freely log in on the streamlined app and start betting with the boost provided by the risk-free bet of up to $1,000. The standard lineup of betting types is offered together with fair odds.
DraftKings
DraftKings is active near Seattle, thanks to the arrangement with Quil Ceda Creek and Tulalip Resort Casino. The sportsbook rewards new players with a 20% deposit match up to $1,000. The comprehensive sports market coverage reinforces the perception of the nation’s leading sports betting site.
FanDuel
The Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort provides legitimacy for FanDuel in Washington. The sportsbook is experiencing rapid growth in the US market because of its comprehensive approach to sports betting. Washington players can access the sign-up bonus of a $1,000 risk-free bet.
Other things you should know about online sports betting sites in Washington
Washington sports betting require a deeper insight into factors to consider before opening a betting account. For example, players must consider the available bookmakers in the state, the quality of betting services offered by the bookmakers, and the government policies regulating the practice. The following are some of the factors that one should consider for sports betting to be successful.
Opening new sports betting account in Washington
Remote registration of a betting account is not allowed in Washington. One has to be present at the tribal casino to be allowed to create an account. The legal age for one to create a betting account in Washington is 18 years and above. However, you must give proof of residency to be allowed to transfer funds to your bank account. Moreover, players are allowed to register accounts via mobile apps or desktop platforms.
Which welcome bonuses can you get with a sports betting operator in Washington?
The bookmakers that operate betting services in Washington offer generous bonuses to new and existing customers. The following are some of the bonuses that you can get as a Washington punter:
- Deposit Matchup bonus: New customers get up to 100% of the cash equivalent of the initial deposits if they create their accounts with betting operators.
- Risk free-bet: This offer is available for existing customers who get the cash equivalent of their initial deposits in case the first bet of the day fails to go through. You are allowed to place a bet using the bonus though the payout will be less than the amount you stake in the bet slip.
Brick-and-Mortar Casinos where you can place sports bets
Washington punters can visit several locations in the state to place their bets with available bookies. Since punters must be physically present to place the bets, you should know the exact places where betting takes place. The following are some of the places where you can place your bets:
- Colville Tribes: This location has three casinos that offer different types of games. The premises are located at Coulee Dam, Manson Omak.
- Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe: This tribe offers casino games via the 7 Cedars Casino Hotel located in Sequim.
Professional sports venues in Washington
Washington is home to several professional sports facilities and franchises. The following are some of the professional sports venues where citizens can get real-life entertainment:
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL) – this destination has a wider fan base due to its strategic locations. Seattle Mariners (MLB) – this football hub has a significant fan base and continues to attract more clients who go there to place their bets.
- Seattle Kraken (NHL) – this is the novel Washington professional sports destination that attracts football fans and sports betting enthusiasts.
- Seattle Storm– club attracts the sports betting community who want to enjoy the game while placing their bets.
Sports betting in Washington encompass major league sports teams, college sporting events, less popular teams, and individual sports. Major professional sports venues are:
- Capital One Arena– An indoor arena in the neighborhoods of Penn Quarter beside Gallery Place on the way to Washington Metro.
- Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Venue– The former District of Columbia Stadium is an all-purpose stadium locates 3km east of the Capital building. It hosts both NFL and MLB events as well as bowl games.
Betting on the most popular Washington sports
Punters in Washington have a chance to place bets on many events. For instance, one can bet on professional sports or athletic events, a collegiate sport safe for institutions located within Washington state. Other events that you can bet on include Olympic or international competition events. Finally, one can enjoy betting on eSports featured on most sportsbooks in the state. The following are some of the most popular sports available on leading Washington bookmakers:
MLB
Punters betting on baseball have different markets such as half-time results, scores at full time, and match-winner.
NBA
You can place bets on the first quarter, half time, and full time. Punters can bet on the game-winner, total scores, and handicap bets.
Boxing
Boxing such as UFC often featured as MMA is another popular sport among leading bookies in the US. In Washington State, bettors can place wagers on MMA markets such as event winners and the total phases of the event.
Cricket
Washington punters can bet on event winners, total scores, and handicap options. You can also bet on cricket outrights and events such as ODI events.
Cycling
Professional cycling is a popular sport in the U.S. Thus, it is a sport on which bettors can place wagers.
NFL
There are many markets for this event. You can place bets on the match winner-home win, draw, or away win. You can place bets on half-time results, full-time, or total scores.
Conclusion
Washington state became the first in the country to legalize sports betting in 2020, and the state’s first retail sportsbook opened for business in September 2021. However, Washington state sports betting is different, as the law only permits wagers at tribal casinos within the state.
The lack of online sports betting options may change in the future, as the state legislature is currently considering a bill that would allow for mobile sports betting. If the bill is passed, it will likely go into effect soon.