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Is there a Washington online casino to play games? The answer depends on the state law. If WA permits real money betting on games of chance, you can wager on a casino site. Otherwise, you can’t.

So, as a Washington resident, it becomes crucial to know the stand of the law before you play on the Internet. That’s what our focus is in this guide. We’ve studied Washington’s gambling laws and discovered that the state allows casino gambling to an extent.

As you read on, we’ll cover all the legal options for betting on games. First, let’s discuss whether real money casinos are one of them.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Discover the best five sweepstakes casinos for online gaming in WA.
  • Learn how to file your taxes when you win at a Washington casino.
  • Find out other alternative legal gambling avenues in Washington.

Are Real Money Online Casinos Legal in Washington?

You can’t bet with actual cash on games via the internet in Washington. The state does not allow real money online casinos. Based on our research, we can confirm that the 1973 Washington State Gambling Act was amended in 2006 to explicitly outlaw online gambling. Here’s what section RCW 9.46.240 says:

Whoever knowingly transmits or receives gambling information by telephone, telegraph, radio, semaphore, the internet, a telecommunications transmission system, or similar means, or knowingly installs or maintains equipment for the transmission or receipt of gambling information shall be guilty of a class C felony.

As a Washington online casino player, it’s best to visit nearby states if you want to bet real money. For more information, check out our guide on the US states where online casinos are legal.

Our Top 5 Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Washington

You can legally play at the best Washington online casino sites with sweepstakes prizes. These platforms are allowed since they don’t use real money but free virtual coins, and no payment is mandatory.

Our comprehensive list of the best sweepstakes casinos USA details all the sites you can play at, and we recommend checking it out.

Specifically for Washington, below are our top 5 sweepstakes online casinos in 2024.

Chanced Casino in Washington 

The number one best online casino Washington state players can join for sweepstakes prizes is Chanced. On this site, you get a gaming library with over 500 titles, and no purchase is mandatory. Instead, you’ll receive 10,000 Gold Coins, 2 Sweeps Coins, and 200 free spins after registration. 

Speaking of games, Chanced Casino impresses with diverse slots and in-house originals. So, you can play titles from popular online casino game providers or exclusive options unavailable at other sites. 

→ If you want to play something unique at Chanced Casino, check out Limbo, one of the in-house originals. It’s a simple game that involves chance and strategy, as you only have to predict multipliers. 

Luckyland Slots in Washington  

This sweepstakes casino is exclusive for slot gaming, as its name indicates. Most games on the site are special titles, and that makes the platform one of the best in WA. There’s also an exciting welcome package of 7,777 Gold Coins and 10 Sweeps Coins to claim as a new player. 

The slots at Luckyland Slots Casino are of impressive quality. You get variety, too, with options such as classics, jackpots, and Megaways slots to choose from. As a result, it’s sometimes tricky to pick one to play.

→ Nevertheless, Winner and a Movie, an in-house game, is a top recommendation. The slot features themes of different movies, and you can select any you want before playing. You’ll agree that’s quite ingenious. 

Sportzino in Washington 

Sportzino offers you a social sportsbook and a sweepstakes casino. So, you can count on the platform for the opportunities to play some of the best free online casino games and make picks on sports. Upon signing up, you’ll receive 170,000 Gold Coins and 7 Sweepstakes Coins from the welcome offer, one of the best Washington online casino bonus packages.

In terms of the games collection, Sportzino Casino features at least 100 titles. Among the options are Megaways, classics, Hold and Win, jackpots, and instant wins. The number of games may not be high, but your choices are still broad.

→ Check out Flaming Scarabs by Kalamba Games if you register with Sportzino. You’ll enjoy the Egyptian theme as it takes you back to the classic era. 

Gambino Slots in Washington 

Here’s another Washington state online casino with a wide selection of sweepstakes slots. To be specific, the website accommodates 150+ titles. You also get a worthwhile bonus at Gambino Casino, with 100,000 Gold Coins and 200 Free Spins up for grabs. The coins support playing all the games for free. 

Gambino Slots mainly offers in-house slots, so you won’t find most of the site’s games on other WA sweepstakes casinos. You can download the mobile app to conveniently play each title on the go. 

→ One of the best slots you can enjoy as a Gambino player is Jackpot City. It features an authentic Vegas design, so you feel like you’re in an actual casino.  

LuckyBird.io in Washington 

This is a pretty new sweepstakes casino in the United States. However, with many Probably Fair games, LuckyBird already ranks among the best platforms. The welcome bonus gives you 5,000 GCs and 0.6 SCs over seven days when you sign up.

As mentioned, LuckyBird features Provably Fair games, and they’re all in-house. Yet, you can still play top slots from the best providers.

Dragon’s Bonanza by Belatra Gaming is a thrilling game you don’t want to miss on LuckyBird.io. You can spin the reels, win multipliers, and trigger free games. 

Fact: LuckyBird.io supports cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum for prize redemptions, making it one of our best online crypto casinos in the US.

Want to Bet Real Money? The Top 3 Land-Based Casino in Washington 

While state laws don’t permit real money online casino sites, gambling in person at land-based establishments is legal in Washington. We’ve also researched the best locations that deliver first-rate experiences, and you can find them below.

Angel of the Winds Casino Resort in Arlington

You’ll find all your favorite gaming options at this casino. For emphasis, Angel of the Winds boasts 1,600+ slots, table games, and keno. Impressively, the table games range from blackjack to baccarat, craps, roulette, poker, oh my, and Pai Gow.

From our findings, the gambling house also features some of the most friendly hosts you’ll meet anywhere. Here’s a brief opinion about this casino from one player: 

Best Casino Ever. Will Definitely Be Back.

Consuelo Straw, From Google Review
  • Address: 3438 Stoluckquamish Ln, Arlington, WA 98223, United States
  • Phone Number: +1 (360) 474-9740
  • Website: angelofthewinds.com/play
  • Opening Hours: 24 hours 
  • Review on Google: 4.2/5

Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino in Fife

Emerald Queen Casino is the ultimate decision if you’re a fan of games with spinning reels. As you walk into this location, you get a floor of 2,300+ slot machines.

Furthermore, the casino provides rewarding promotions such as Spin 2 Win and Play 2 Dine, which you can leverage. Testifying to the vast game selection, here’s what this player had to say about Emerald Queen Casino:

I love this casino. If you like slots, this is the place for you. This place is huge and has tons and tons of slots. 

Ruben Benavidez, From Google Review
  • Address: 5700 Pacific Hwy E, Fife, WA 98424, United States
  • Phone Number: +1 (253) 594-7777
  • Website: emeraldqueen.com/fife-casino
  • Opening Hours: 24 hours
  • Review on Google: 3.8/5

Silver Reef Casino Resort in Ferndale

Silver Reef Casino is a renowned gambling location in Ferndale. Some players call it the best in Northwest WA, thanks to the many slots and table games. Also, the casino regularly introduces new games, so there’s always something fresh to play.

It’s worth mentioning that Silver Reef is only 20 minutes south of the Canadian border. So, it’s quite a regular location for travelers. Check out this player’s comment after visiting as a couple: 

We love this casino. It’s big enough, has a good variety of slot machines, and is smoke-free. 

Robin Stickle, a regular customer
  • Address: 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, WA 98248, United States
  • Phone Number: +1 (360) 383-0777
  • Website: https://www.silverreefcasino.com
  • Opening Hours: 7 AM to 3 AM (24 hours on Saturday/Sunday)
  • Review on Google: 3.9/5

How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Washington?

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. 

Other Legal Gambling Activities in Washington

So far, we’ve explained that there’s no legal real money online casino Washington players can register with and that the state only allows land-based establishments.

If you’re curious about what other gambling activities are permitted in the state, check them out below:

  • Sports betting: It’s legal to wager on sports games in WA, but only at tribal casinos. In other words, the bet must be made in person
  • Lottery: You can gamble on games hosted by the Washington State Lottery, including scratch tickets, draw games like Mega Millions and Powerball, and Keno.
  • Horse racing: WA permits parimutuel wagering at licensed racetracks and off-track betting facilities. Bets on live races and simulcast races are also legal.  

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 the history since then to date below:  

  • 1889: Washington state constitution prohibits lotteries. 
  • 1933: Washington legalizes parimutuel 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 explicitly ban internet gambling. 
  • 2020: Washington State legalizes sports betting, but only at tribal casinos.
  • 2021: Various tribal casinos begin offering sports betting.

What’s Next for Washington Online Casinos?

Real money WA online casino sites still have a long way to go before getting approved. During our research, we found no recent move by lawmakers to make online casino legal in Washington state. If there’s any upcoming change to gambling in the Evergreen State, it’ll be on sports betting. 

As we pointed out earlier, sports betting is limited to tribal casinos. Reports confirm multiple lawmakers are sponsoring House Bill 1630 and Senate Bill 5587, which could see the state allow online wagering on sports. However, there’s been no new events about the bills since 2023.

Considering Washington’s strict position on internet gambling with the 2006 Gambling Act amendment, it’s challenging to see lawmakers approving online sports betting anytime soon. Consequently, it’ll take many years for real money online casinos to get the legal green light

So, Will You Bet From Washington Tonight? 

Washington has clear restrictions on internet gambling, as engaging in the activity is a class C felony. So, our expert advice is to avoid real money online casinos in the state. You can stay compliant with the law by playing at the legit sweepstakes casinos on our list. To bet real money, visit our recommended land-based casinos

The online alternatives are sweepstakes and social sites. Check out our list of the best new sweepstakes online casinos in the US. You’ll have a bunch of great options!