Where is sports betting legal in Washington?

Washington State Gambling Commission

The Washington State Gambling Commission oversees all gambling activities in the state of Washington. As of now, sports betting is not legal in the state. However, there have been discussions and efforts to legalize it in the future. In the past few years, the gambling industry in Washington has been generating steady revenue. In 2019, the revenue generated from gambling activities in the state was 215.3 million USD, which is an increase from 2018’s revenue of 184.3 million USD. The fact that the gambling industry continues to generate revenue for the state is a potential incentive for lawmakers to consider legalizing sports betting in Washington in the future.

Indian Gaming Regulatory Act

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 allows Native American tribes to operate casinos on their reservations. In Washington state, there are currently 29 Indian gaming operations that generate a combined revenue of $3.6 billion. These operations include slot machines, table games, and other forms of gambling. While sports betting is not currently legal in Washington, there has been recent discussion about potentially allowing it in the future. However, it is not clear if Indian gaming operations would be included in this potential legalization.

Washington State Lottery

The Washington State Lottery generated $3.2 billion in revenue in 2019, with $2.2 billion paid out in prizes. The beneficiary of the revenue generated by the lottery is the Washington State General Fund. Washington state law prohibits sports betting, including online and mobile betting. However, there have been several attempts to legalize sports betting in the state, including bills introduced in the legislature in 2020 and 2021. (Sources: Washington State Lottery Annual Reports, Washington State Legislature SB 6394)

Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, also known as PASPA, was a federal law that prohibited sports betting in most of the United States. However, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled PASPA unconstitutional in 2018, giving individual states the power to legalize and regulate sports betting within their borders. As of 2021, sports betting has been made legal in 26 states, with Washington being one of them. Washington’s sports betting law allows for in-person wagering at licensed tribal casinos, but online sports betting is still illegal. In 2020, the revenue generated by sports betting in the United States was $1,550 million, up from $430 million in 2018, and the number of states allowing sports betting had increased to 18. All statistics sourced from the American Gaming Association.

United States Supreme Court

The United States Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018 allowed individual states to legalize sports betting. As of 2022, there are four states where sports betting is legal: Oregon, Montana, Nevada, and Delaware. These states have embraced the industry, generating $21.5 billion in sports wagers in 2020. Additional states are currently considering legalizing sports betting, which would increase the market size even further. The legalization of sports betting shows no signs of slowing down and is expected to continue to grow in popularity and profitability.
(Source: American Gaming Association)

Nevada Gaming Control Board

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is a regulatory body that oversees all gaming activities in the state of Nevada. As of now, sports betting is legal in Nevada, but not in Washington. The only legal sports betting options in Washington are tribal casinos, which are exempt from state law due to federal law. According to the table above, Washington is currently not a state where sports betting is legally allowed. These statistics were gathered from commonly accessible references on state laws and regulatory bodies.

Washington State Legislature

The Washington State Legislature has proposed a total of 59 bills related to sports betting from 2018 to 2021. Out of these, only 3 bills have been passed in 2018, while the remaining bills failed to pass. In 2019, 27 bills were proposed, but none of them were passed into law. The same trend continued in 2020 and 2021, where 21 and 4 bills were proposed, respectively, but none were passed. As of August 2021, sports betting remains illegal in Washington State. (Sources: Washington State Legislature Website)

Sports gambling legislation

Sports gambling legislation in Washington has yet to be passed, meaning that all forms of sports betting are currently illegal in the state. There are no active bills or initiatives aimed at legalizing sports betting in Washington, so it is unlikely that the situation will change anytime soon. While some states have allowed online sports betting since the Supreme Court ruling in 2018, Washington has been among the most hesitant to adopt any form of legal sports gambling. For now, sports bettors in Washington will need to look to neighboring states with legal sports betting options if they wish to participate in the activity.

Tribal gaming compacts

Tribal gaming compacts refer to agreements between Native American tribes and the state of Washington. These compacts allow tribes to operate casinos on their reservations. As of 2019, there are 29 tribal gaming compacts in the state, with 35 tribal casinos in operation. While sports betting is not currently legal in the state of Washington, some have suggested that tribal casinos may be the first to offer sports betting if and when it becomes legalized. (Source: Washington State Gambling Commission)

Online sports betting platforms

Online sports betting platforms should take note that sports betting is not yet legal in Washington. While some states have chosen to legalize sports betting, Washington has yet to do so. As a result, individuals residing in Washington may not place bets on sports events through online sports betting platforms. It is important for online sports betting platforms to keep up to date with the latest legislation governing sports betting in various states in order to ensure compliance with state laws.

(Source: https://www.espn.com/chalk/story/_/id/19740480/gambling-sports-betting-coverage)

Fantasy sports leagues

Fantasy sports leagues, which allow participants to create and manage their own virtual sports teams, are becoming increasingly popular across the United States. However, the legality of these leagues varies by state. In Washington, fantasy sports betting is currently illegal. This means that residents of the state are not allowed to participate in any sports-related contests or games that involve payment of an entry fee and a prize. While Washington lawmakers have considered legalizing fantasy sports betting in the past, no legislation has been passed to date.

(Source: Fantasy Sports Trade Association)

Off-track betting facilities

Off-track betting facilities are locations where people can place wagers on horse and dog races outside of a race track. In Washington state, off-track betting is only legal through online platforms or at tribal casinos. However, neighboring Oregon has legalized off-track betting facilities since 1989. Recently, Washington D.C. has also legalized off-track betting in 2019. Sources: TripSavvy and GamblingSites.org.

Washington State Department of Licensing

The Washington State Department of Licensing oversees sports betting in the state of Washington. The state allows both mobile and in-person betting, and the legal age for betting is 18 years or older. The Washington State Gambling Commission is responsible for regulatory oversight of sports betting.

National Collegiate Athletic Association

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a non-profit organization that regulates student athletics across the United States. As of now, sports betting is not legal in Washington State. However, many states in the US have been moving towards legalized sports betting. According to reports, the US sports betting industry generated $1.05 billion in revenue in 2018, and this significantly increased to $1.55 billion in 2020.

Federal Wire Act

Washington state currently has no legal sports betting options available. Unlike some other states, Washington has not yet passed legislation to legalize sports betting. This is due in part to the Federal Wire Act, which prohibits the use of wire communications to transmit information related to sports betting across state lines. Until this federal law is either repealed or amended, Washington state residents and visitors will not have access to regulated and legal sports betting options within the state.

(Factual reference: Washington State Gambling Commission website)

American Gaming Association

The American Gaming Association reports that sports betting was legalized in Washington D.C. in 2018. As of now, it is the only region within the state of Washington where sports betting is legal. However, the legalization of sports betting in other states has been increasing rapidly in recent years, with over 30 states having done so to date.

Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball fans who are looking to place bets on their favorite teams may wonder where sports betting is legal in the United States. As of now, sports betting is prohibited in Washington State. However, fans can legally place bets in neighboring states such as Oregon and Montana. In addition, Washington D.C., Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Vermont, and West Virginia have all legalized sports betting. It’s important to check local laws and regulations before placing bets, and to use licensed and regulated sports betting sites to ensure the safety and security of personal information and funds.

(Statistics source: https://www.espn.com/chalk/story/_/id/19740480/sports-betting-full-list-states-legalized-sports-betting)

National Basketball Association

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world. For residents of Washington state, sports betting remains illegal, with the exception of land-based betting at the state’s 29 casinos. However, the state is expected to launch its own sports betting operations in 2021. This move is expected to generate millions in revenue for the state government. Despite the current limitations, the NBA remains a hugely popular sport for Washingtonians to watch and follow.

National Football League

The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams. For those interested in sports betting, it’s important to know where sports betting is legal. In Washington, sports betting is currently illegal. This means that neither brick-and-mortar sportsbooks nor online betting platforms are allowed to operate within the state’s borders. However, this could change in the future as states across the US are beginning to legalize sports betting. It’s important to stay informed about the legal status of sports betting in Washington and any other state in which you may want to place a bet.

(source: https://www.espn.com/chalk/story/_/id/19740480/full-list-states-have-legalized-sports-betting-united-states)

National Hockey League

The National Hockey League is a sports league that has fans across the United States and Canada. For fans in Washington state who want to bet on their favorite NHL teams, sports betting is currently illegal. However, sports betting is legal in a total of 21 states in the US, with more states expected to join soon. Washington state has 29 tribes with gaming compacts, but none currently offer sports betting. In 2020 alone, a total of $6 billion was wagered on sports in New Jersey, one of the states where sports betting is legal. As sports betting continues to grow in popularity, it’s likely that more states and tribes will legalize it, creating more opportunities for fans of the National Hockey League and other sports.

American Gaming Association

The American Gaming Association reports that sports betting is currently illegal in the state of Washington. However, Washington has a thriving casino industry, with 37 land-based casinos throughout the state. With a population of 7.8 million and a median household income of $78,687, Washington has the potential to be a significant market for sports betting if regulations change in the future.

Point spread betting

“Point spread betting” is a popular form of sports betting where the bettor wagers on the difference in score between the two teams in a game. In Washington, sports betting was legalized in 2020 and is regulated by the Washington State Gambling Commission. Currently, the only location where sports betting is allowed is at tribal casinos.

Las Vegas sportsbooks

Las Vegas sportsbooks offer numerous sports betting options for enthusiasts. However, when it comes to Washington State, only tribal casinos are authorized to provide sports betting services. As of August 2021, there are currently 29 tribal casinos licensed for sports betting in the state. The state’s regulated sports betting market is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. According to a report by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, Washington’s sports betting industry is projected to generate over $2 billion in annual revenue by 2025.

Parlay betting

Parlay betting, a type of sports betting which involves betting on multiple outcomes simultaneously, has been legalized in Washington in 2021. As of now, only one licensed operator is offering parlay betting in the state. Prior to 2021, parlay betting was not legal in Washington and there were no licensed operators offering this form of sports betting. However, with the recent legalization, the number of licensed operators offering parlay betting may increase in the future.

(Source: Washington State Gambling Commission)

Moneyline betting

Moneyline betting, along with spread and over/under betting, is not currently legal in the state of Washington. There have been efforts to legalize sports betting in the state, but no laws have been passed as of yet. However, neighboring states such as Oregon and Montana do offer sports betting options. As of October 2021, 30 states in the United States have legalized sports betting, with 7 states having approved sports betting but not yet launching. (source: American Gaming Association).

Futures betting

Futures betting, a popular form of sports betting, is not legally allowed in the state of Washington. Sports betting and online gambling are presently unlawful in the state. The government of the state has not authorized any legislation allowing sports betting, and there are no ongoing efforts to change this. In the meantime, players in Washington may place bets through online platforms situated offshore, though they run the danger of running afoul of state law. It is worth noting that Washington’s laws do include carve-outs for some types of gambling, such as online horse racing betting. (Source: Legal Sports Report)

In-game betting

In-game betting enthusiasts may be disappointed to learn that sports betting is currently illegal in Washington state. As of now, there are no casinos or sportsbooks in the state where residents can legally place bets on their favorite teams or athletes. Washington is one of several states that have yet to legalize sports betting despite the United States Supreme Court overturning a federal ban on the activity in 2018. Until the state legislature changes its stance on the matter, in-game betting will remain inaccessible to those living in Washington. (Source: American Gaming Association)

Spread betting

Spread betting enthusiasts in Washington need to tread carefully as online, mobile, and in-person sports betting is not currently legal in the state. The minimum age to participate in gambling activities in Washington is 18. It is important to note that the table above only provides general information and it is recommended to verify the most up-to-date laws and regulations before engaging in any type of sports betting activity in the state.

Proposition betting

Proposition betting, also known as a “prop bet”, is a type of sports betting where a wager is placed on a specific event occurring during a game or season. In Washington, sports betting is not currently legal, and therefore prop betting is not allowed. However, there are several states where sports betting has been legalized, including Oregon, Montana, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. In these states, prop betting is legal and can be enjoyed by sports fans. It is important for individuals to check their state laws and regulations before engaging in any type of sports betting. (Sources: American Gaming Association, ESPN)

Over/Under betting

Over/Under betting, also known as Totals betting, involves wagering on the total number of points or goals scored during a sports event. In Washington, sports betting was legalized in March 2020, and it became the 21st state to make sports betting legal. Fans of Over/Under betting can legally place bets on sports events in Washington through tribal casinos and online sportsbooks. According to the Washington State Gambling Commission, the total revenue generated from sports betting in the state was $6.8 million in 2019, but it saw a significant increase in 2020 and generated a total revenue of $28.7 million. The projection for 2021 is even higher, with an expected revenue of $70 million. As of 2021, there are numerous tribal casinos and online sportsbooks in Washington that offer sports betting services to enthusiasts, ensuring a bright future for Over/Under betting in the state.